Page 40 of Twist of Date

“You can always get a reservation at the best eateries. That’s a big plus,” I say, risking a glance at him.

A tiny smile plays at his lips, but it’s the heat in his eyes that catches my attention.

“Don’t stop. My ego needs more compliments.”

Unable to look away, I give him a slight nod, but his face ensnares me.

“You’re unfairly good-looking. So if ever I was in need of some eye candy, I know exactly who to hang out with.” The side of my lips hitches.

A low, deep laugh falls from his throat. “You’re right. The benefits of being my friend most definitely outweigh the drawbacks.” He rests a forearm on the table, leaning in closer.

“Drawbacks? I wasn’t informed of drawbacks. Please share, as I need to hear them for myself,” I tell him.

“Well, I’ve got a lot of energy, so if you like stillness, that’s gonna be rough.” He holds up a finger.

“Oh, my. But you see, Pep over there, she has a lot of energy too, so you could always come play in the park with her.” I incline my head to the dog curled up by the couch, both eyes watching for food to be dropped on the floor.

“Well, I work a lot. I try not to, but sometimes I work late. So I’m not great with last-minute plans. My calendar is my best friend,” he tells me.

“I thought Travis was your best friend.”

“Meh.” He shrugs. “Let me amend my previous statement. My calendar is my soul mate.”

“Oh. Wow. I feel like an interloper.” I grin.

“Nah, we have an open relationship.” He waves a dismissive hand.

“Well, I love my calendar too,” I nearly whisper. “Are there any more drawbacks? So far I don’t think you’ve listed a true drawback.”

He studies me intently. There is so much heat in his eyes that I can feel the temperature rise between us.

“Yeah, well, the last one. It’s big.”

“Really?” I say, not believing him for a second.

“Really, really.” His eyes bounce between mine then drop to my mouth. I don’t say anything.

“There will be times when all I’ll be able to think about is how I want to kiss and touch you.”

Breath gets stuck in my lungs.

“So what I’m saying is I’ll be very distracted at times.” His hand barely moves we are so close together and his thumb brushes over my jaw. “Like right now.”

“You look very distracted.” I swallow hard.

“I am,” he whispers back.

My tongue darts out and swipes quickly across my lips. His eyes track the movement and a low groan echoes from him as he slowly moves closer, closing the distance between us.

His lips cover mine. This time there is no sweet and slow. It’s all passion, heat, urgency.

Like we’re starved for each other.

Cole pulls me into his lap and breaks our kiss, resting his forehead against mine. “Kissing you is all I’ve been able to think about, Layla. Kissing you. Tasting you. Touching you. Don’t push me away this time, Lays. Tell me you want this too.”

Without his lips on mine, I can think a little clearer.

I should tell him to stop. Remind him of the boundaries.

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