Page 24 of Enforcing the Rules

“That’s a tempting offer, and all, but I hardly know you.” I ran a fingertip around the rim of my glass. I wasn’t being coy. I was stating a fact.

“That’s what I’m trying to change.” He reached over and brushed a lock of hair from my temple, drawing my gaze. Our eyes locked, and I couldn’t look away. Then he cupped my chin and dragged the pad of his thumb across my lower lip. He dipped his head and covered my mouth with a kiss that was anything but timid, though it was gentle. He took control, and I loved his confidence. I’ve always liked a man who knew what he wanted.

When he pulled back, his eyes stayed on my mouth, and I loved that, too. It was like he was already addicted to my kiss. I can’t lie; his attention was intoxicating.

“You’ve got the sexiest damn mouth, and I love the way you kiss. Soft and inviting, but still holding a little back. I like a girl who makes me work for it.”

I smiled. “You sound like this is already a done deal.”

“Far from it. I know that. But I’m thinking you liked that kiss as much as I did. Tell me I’m wrong?”

I couldn’t, and the fact that he knew it was there, dancing in his eyes. “Okay, fine. You’re a good kisser. I’ll give you that.”

“Just good?”

“Maybe more than good.”

He angled his body toward mine and pulled me around to face him, trapping my legs between his. I liked that, too. I liked the way he wasn’t afraid to put me where he wanted me. And his hands on my bare knees had sent a jolt of desire sizzling through my body.

“There’s something happening between us. I’m not gonna lie, this”—he motioned between us—“doesn’t usually happen for me. I’m feeling something with you I don’t usually feel with a girl I just met. Sure, you’re gorgeous and sexy, but it’s something more. I feel a connection with you. I feel at ease with you. Comfortable, you know?”

I nodded, hypnotized by his words.

One hand squeezed lightly. “Come back to my place. No strings. Let’s just see where this goes.”

“I… I don’t know.”

“I get it. A girl’s gotta be safe. I understand.”

He leaned back and dug his phone out of his hip pocket. His thumb moved across the screen, and he made a video call. A man appeared on the screen.

“What’s up, Utah?”

“Hey, Memphis. Tell Kate I’m a nice guy, and she can trust me.” Utah turned the screen toward me, and I immediately recognized the man on the screen.

“Hey, Kate. He’s not a nice guy. Run. Run fast and far.”

Utah turned the phone back to himself. “Thanks, asshole.”

The man on the other end chuckled. “Put her back on.”

Utah turned the phone back to me. “I was giving my brother a hard time. Seriously, you’re totally safe with Utah, darlin’.”

“You have to say that. It’s the bro code.”

Before Utah could respond, a woman pushed into the shot, laying on Memphis’s chest. It looked like they were cuddled on the couch when Utah called.

“Hi Kate! I’m Lola. Utah’s totally a good guy. No joke.”

Memphis turned to Lola. “How would you know how good a guy Utah is, babe?”

Lola kissed Memphis’s cheek. “Oh, hush. I knew him before you did.”

“Just how well did you know him?”

Lola looked at me through the phone and rolled her eyes. “He’s totally teasing. My dad’s the club president. Of course, I know all the guys.”

“You better show me what a good guy your ol’ man is, babe,” Memphis said, grabbing her ass. The phone dropped, and the call went dead.

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