Page 37 of One Unexpected Gift

Skylar rested her elbow on their shared armrest then dropped her hand to his thigh. He stiffened, not expecting her hand on his leg. Or it to be so close to his–Nick swallowed. Gulped. She inched her fingers higher until her pinky rested oh-so-close to his growing package.

It could be an innocent placement of her hand, or she could be the devil in disguise. Her eyes were wide and still on the screen in front of them as if fully engaged in the film. With the next explosion, she squeezed his thigh, her hand brushing against the body part that totally gave away how much he wanted her.

With her free hand, Skylar picked up the lemonade and toyed the straw with her tongue. Nick’s throat grew dry and tight. She took a sip then licked her lips while returning the cup. Keeping her eyes on the film, she leaned toward him and whispered, “I like the movie.”

When she squeezed his thigh again, he clamped his hand down on hers and interlocked their fingers. He swore he heard and felt her giggle beside him. For the rest of the movie they held hands taking turns caressing each other lightly.

His attention wasn’t on how the hero was going to save the damsel in distress, instead he thought about the best way to ask Skylar back to his place. As soon as he figured out the words, he debated whether he was moving too fast.

Too fast? They’d already slept together. Twice. This time, however, he wanted to do things the right way.

Right way? He had about fifteen minutes before the movie ended to figure out what it was he wanted. What she wanted. Casual dating was more his style, and he assumed it was Skylar’s as well. They’d gone about it all backwards.

Or rather, he’d gone ass backwards. His casual hookups ended after the, well, casual hookup. He’d never been in this situation before, wanting more after, as his father would say, wanting the cow after having the milk. It was a terrible, insulting analogy, but he had a craving for some rich and creamy milk right now.

The lights came on and the credits rolled. Skylar stood and slipped her hand free from his. When they exited their row, he took her hand again.

“What did you think of the movie?”

“It was good. I’m going to pop in here really quick.”

He let go of her hand and waited while Skylar went into the restroom. His headache had come back sometime during the movie. Nick rubbed behind his ear where it hurt now. A few hours ago the front of his head throbbed like he was coming off a whiskey hangover. Being with and touching Skylar had kept it at bay... a little. Now with her not by his side, the thumping was back.

The headaches reminded him of his injury two years ago, but these were different. It was fall allergies mixed with tension headaches. Nothing more. Nothing to worry about.

When Skylar came out, her demeanor had changed from light and flirty to more serious and reserved, making him forget about his own pain.

Once in his Jeep and buckled in, asked, “Would you like to go out for a drink? Or we could go to my place for one?” He tried to sound as casual as he could but between the pressure behind his zipper and his horny thoughts, he wasn’t sure how it came out.

“I really should go back home.”

“Should as in should but you’re not going to or should as in you want to?”

Skylar toyed with the hem of her shirt. “Should as in I need to.”

Need. He wanted to ask her what she meant by that. Need as in there was something she needed to do at home, or need as in needing to keep her distance from him? Either way, it was a lose-lose situation.

“Okay.” He didn’t question or push and drove her home. He would, however, walk her to the front door. And if Owen or Charlie came out and interrupted them he’d... well, he wasn’t sure what he’d do other than give Owen shit the next time he saw him at the gym.

They rode in silence, and Nick was thankful she didn’t pull away when he held her hand. He also couldn’t help to notice her tapping foot or how she constantly tugged at her shirt with her free hand. Something was bothering Skylar.

She hopped out of his Jeep the second he put it in park. Not wanting to end their night without knowing what he did to upset her, he caught up with her at the front walkway.

“Skylar,” he pleaded, reaching for her shoulder. “Wait.”

She stilled and then turned around. “I’m sorry, Nick. I had fun tonight. I really did. I just,” she glanced over her shoulder at the house and then back to him, “I need to go.”

“Did I say something, do something to upset you? If so, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

She curled her bottom lip inward and bit down on it. God, what he wouldn’t do to get a taste of her lips again. As if reading his mind, she inched closer to him and took both his hands in hers.

Her big doe eyes met his and before he realized what she was going to do, her mouth was on his. She kissed him softly, and he stood still not wanting to ruin the moment, which he seemed to have a habit of doing. The kiss was sweet and ended too soon.

“Thank you for the movie. Can I take a raincheck on the nightcap?”

“We can make it breakfast, coffee, afternoon tea, nightcap... whatever you want, darlin’. As long as you say you’ll go out with me again.”

“I will. I want to.”

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