Page 55 of Love on the Line

Chapter 18

Anne zipped her suitcase,anxiety tightening the walls of her chest.

A knock sounded, and she jumped. Sheesh. She needed to get a grip.

When she opened the door, Wyatt stood in the hall, hands in his pockets. He cleared his throat. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Oh, shit. She didn’t realize how awkward it was going to be. He usually greeted her with a hug and kiss. Now they faced each other like kids with spin-the-bottle pointed at them.

“Come in. I just need to turn out some lights and get my bag.” The one that had black-and-pink lacy lingerie packed inside. She’d bought the outfit a week ago on a whim to have in case she decided to let things go to the next level. A wave of heat surged to her face.

Wyatt entered, leaving an all-male, spicy scent in his wake as he passed. His pine-green T-shirt stretched across his chiseled pecs, and he wore the jeans she liked best on him. Not that he knew it. They fit him like a lover’s hand, hugging all the right places. He caught her staring when he turned around, and grinned.

Crap.

“I’ll grab my suitcase. Be right back.” She hurried past him to the bedroom. A glance in the mirror confirmed what she suspected. Her cheeks were bright red. How was she going to get through this?

“Need any help?” Wyatt called.

“No, I got it, thanks.” She brought the bag out and stopped in front of him.

He glanced down at the suitcase and swallowed. Awkward silence again. Spiking a hand through his hair, he sighed. “This is ridiculous.”

She frowned. “I know it’s kind of big, but I fit everything inside so I’d only have one thing to carry.”

Wyatt waved at it. “No, not the suitcase. Me.”

“You? I don’t understand.”

He paced to the door and back. “I’m not used to…not knowing what to say or do.”

So she wasn’t the only one. “Just be yourself. What are you worried about?”

He held her hands and stepped closer. “Messing up. I’ve never wanted anything more than I want you, and I’m afraid I’m going to blow it.”

“Well that makes two of us.” She squeezed his hands and gazed up at him. “If anyone’s going to blow anything, it’s going to be me.”

Wyatt’s mouth twitched.

She blinked. Crud, that had come out way wrong. “I mean…”

“You’re priceless.” He laughed, a deep, guttural sound that vibrated through her body.

He let go of her hands, wrapped his arms around her, and lowered his head to kiss her. As always, his warm mouth worked its magic. She melted into the kiss and crawled her hands up his chest, massaging the defined, hard muscles. He pulled back and touched his forehead to hers. “Tell you what. Let’s put the bag in the trunk and forget about it for the day.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“I want us to have fun and not worry about what happens later.” He raised his head and held her gaze. “And when the time comes, if you change your mind, that’s fine. I’m here for you, however you want me.”

The tenderness in his tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket. “Believe me, Wyatt”—she rested a hand on the side of his face—“I want you.”

His eyes flashed, and he smiled the cocky grin that made her knees wobble. Picking up her bag, he jerked his head in the direction of the door. “Let’s go then.”

As they drove, a smile stayed plastered on his face. He’d managed to keep their destination a secret, but now he looked like an overfilled helium balloon about to burst at any second.

She tapped his arm. “Enough mystery, where are we headed?”

“Ocean City.” He glanced at her. “I figured off-season it wouldn’t be crowded.”

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