Page 25 of Catching the Captain

At least I’ll know what his lips feel like.

Or you could just ask Valentina. I bet she remembers.

My subconscious can truly be a low-blow-hitting bitch. But she’s the bitch I need to keep me grounded in reality.

“Thank you for having me. I had a great time and my stomach is full.” I smile, and it feels toothy and awkward.

Instead of replying, he steps forward, embracing me.

“Oh,” I breathe out in surprise. My arms slip around his waist without missing another beat and I settle my cheek against the solid warmth of his muscular chest. My eyes fall closed as I breathe in the scent of his laundry detergent combined with sunshine. His hold on me tightens and I feel his hands wrap farther around me, like he can’t get close enough.

Without an inch of space between our upper bodies, I’m trying not to think about how my breasts are crushed to his torso. Or how the deep, rumbling sounds coming from his chest are sexy enough to give me an eargasm. Or how my insides feel like they’re being tossed to and fro like a dinghy on turbulent seas.

Calm down. It’s just a friendly hug between two friends.

A hug that’s lasting a little—make that a lot—longer than it should.

Kaiden finally draws back slowly, as if our parting pains him. His composed features shutter any emotion he may be feeling.

“I’ll be in touch soon.”

I don’t know why I expected him to address whatever just happened between us. The air was practically crackling with the electricity we were giving off. I can’t be misconstruing what happened. There’s no way he was merely being friendly and I took it the wrong way.

I nod. “Sounds good.”

I smile, and once again it’s all teeth. Why is a horse’s expression my default mode whenever he’s around?

I lower onto my seat and Kaiden closes the door. He moves up to the top of the driveway and shoves his hands into his front pockets. I can’t get the key in the ignition and turned fast enough for my peace of mind. I give a quick wave before I reverse out of his driveway. I’ve barely come to a stop in the street when I shift into drive. I’m embarrassed and want to get away, but I’d like to have my car’s transmission intact when I do.

When his house is no longer in my rearview mirror, I press a hand to my chest. My racing heart is proof I’m not imagining my reaction to being in his arms.

* * *

I’m sitting on the back deck, sipping on my second cup of coffee, when Serena comes out to join me.

“Good morning,” I say.

She groans and drops into the chair next to mine. “What’s good about it?”

“You need to drink coffee. I promise it’ll improve your morning attitude. It’s magical and life changing.”

“I don’t believe anything can improve my mornings, aside from sleeping through them.”

I laugh. “Why are you up? Go back to bed.”

“I have to talk to you, and I wanted to make sure I caught you before you head out.” She leans forward and gives my knee a quick squeeze. “You’re not going to like the news I have to share.” She looks concerned, and that’s not an emotion she usually shows.

Of course I run through ten horrible scenarios before I say, “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Malcolm is moving back here for a new job and my parents told him he could stay with us.”

“What?”I try not to shriek, but I’m pretty sure I fail. Malcolm is her older brother and my ex-boyfriend.

“I know, it’s crazy. I spoke to them earlier and told them it wasn’t happening.”

“What did they say?”

“They pointed out how they own the townhouse and I have no say in the matter.” She leans back in the chair and rubs her temples.

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