Page 83 of Yours to Catch

“Other than Doris?” He cracks a smirk.

“I’m aware that I’ve referred to marriage as the token at the end of this resolution, but maybe my preferences are shifting too. You’re who I want to be with. Period. That’s not a sacrifice. It could never be anything less than complete satisfaction.” My heart is suddenly galloping. I take a moment to breathe deep. “A committed relationship, even on a trial basis, is a happy medium. I’m more than willing to meet you there. To be honest, it’s not a compromise if I get you in the deal.”

The strain in his shoulders doesn’t deflate. “Are you sure?”

“Are you?”

“Without a shred of doubt.”

Relief floods in and I divert my focus to the ink decorating his forearm. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about this.”

He rotates to put more of the design on display. “What about it?”

I admire the half sleeve for at least a minute. Near his wrist is a football field that blends into a street view of Roosters. The tattoo ends at his elbow with a replica of the bar’s interior.

“Well, now that I’ve had a good look, the meaning is self-explanatory. It’s very sexy.”

“Adds to my bad boy image.”

I snort. “That’s you in a nutshell.”

Garrett’s posture loses the tense corners, his smile relaxed and carefree. “Can I kiss you?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

We lean toward each other in the next instant. Our lips meet in the middle. I sigh into him, my mouth curving into a grin. His arm snakes around my waist to tug me closer. Static sparks along my skin as his tongue glides across mine. Just as I’m about to climb onto his lap, someone clears their throat. Loud enough to crack through my lust.

I break the kiss, not bothering to glance at our interruption. “We’re busted.”

He bends until our foreheads touch. “Barely noticed thanks to my ultimate distraction. Already off to a stellar start. I’m gonna fulfill your every need.” His lips brush mine. “Make you blissfully happy on a daily basis.” Another soft peck. “Be the best version of myself for you.” One more for good measure. “Trick you into thinking I actually deserve you.”

My nose drifts along his. “You already do.”

“That’s only because you inspire me.”

Which reminds me of his little gift. “I can’t believe you brought me a penis straw.”

“And I can’t believe you’re drinking another man’s cocktail.”

“Who said the bartender was a guy? Ruby actually made me this tasty refreshment. Although, I’ve always had a thing for redheads. Delish.” My tongue fondles the tip of the micro-peen.

She wiggles her fingers at him. “Hello.”

He waves in return. “Thanks for taking care of my girl.”

“You’re welcome,” Ruby replies.

She doesn’t sound all that accommodating. It’s only then I notice she’s hovering. I wait for her to wander off. An awkward lull settles between us. Another glance proves she isn’t moving. She’s most likely the one who intruded on our public display of affection.

An unwelcome itch has me squirming on the stool. “Should I pay my tab?”

“It’s already been covered.”

Garrett winks when I gape at him. “Wasn’t about to let some other shmuck buy you that drink.”

I giggle at his sneaky methods, but the humor tappers off when Ruby still doesn’t leave. “Do you want us to go?”

“That depends.” She pauses for dramatic effect. “Are you done groping each other?”

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