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“I guess you’re right. I never really thought about it before.”
Pushing through the door, the alarm starts to beep, and I quickly step inside. I turn towards the keypad and start punching in the code as I point to the kitchen with my other hand. “Can you put that in there?”
“Oh, wow.” Otis’ awe filled exclamation comes from behind me.
I spin and spot him craning his neck to the side to read down the spines of the five bookcases of books I have set up in my living room.
“This is an amazing collection of books. You really have a passion for them, I see. No wonder you work in a library.”
“Not just any library. The New York Public Library, one of the largest libraries.”
He stands straight and grins at me. “I stand corrected. Still, this is an amazing collection.”
“You like to read?” I ask, walking over to stand at his side and picking up a copy of one of my favorites.
“I love to read. Why? Don’t I look like a reader?”
I can feel my eyes widen with the horrible thought I offended him, but when I look up, there’s humor in his eyes as he looks down at me. “That’s not what I meant. Besides, what does a reader even look like? Large glasses and pocket protectors?”
He bends down and kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear, “Like you.”
A bark of laughter tears through me, and he steps back with a grin.
“Anyway, if you think this collection is impressive, you should see my real collection.” I grab his hand and excitedly lead him to the other side of the loft where, in front of a solid brick wall, boxes upon boxes lay, flaps wide open. Books of all genres are poking out the top, and some with open books on top. On the floor, between and beside the boxes are more piles of books I’ve recently purchased and didn’t have boxes for.
“I have an addiction to books. Though, I don’t have shelves for them, at least not yet, other than that small shelf in the living room area. I hope to completely fill this wall one day with shelves and books.”
“Holy. Fucking. Shit. This is a lot of books.”
“I used to own more, but a few boxes went missing in the move. That was a sad day. I cried like a baby.”
Otis crowds my space, pushing me back until my back hits the wall, and braces himself over me with his hands on the wall at either side of my head. “Tell me who the movers were, and I’ll find your missing books.”
I place a hand on his chest, feeling the way his heart skips a beat at my touch. “Otis—” My thought trails off as his lips come down on mine, and I’m drowning in his commanding kiss.
He wraps his arms around me, sliding his hands down over my ass to hook around my thighs, and lifts me up. Instinctually, my legs wrap around his waist, and he presses me back into the wall again. His hips rock forward, and I can feel how hard he is, the heat of his desire.
Lips trail along my jaw and neck. My head falls back in euphoria, and I rasp, “Otis.” My mind is so muddled with desire and need that I’m not sure if I want him to stop or keep going.
“I know, princess,” he breathes against my collarbone before nipping at the sensitive spot, drawing a moan from me. “Fuck, don’t make those kinds of noises, or I’ll lay you out right here and have my way with your body.”
“You make that sound like a bad thing.” I lean forward and take the lobe of his ear between my teeth, giving it a nip before licking down to suck the sensitive spot on the side of his neck.
“Fuck,” he roars, pushing me back into the wall hard and thrusts his hips firmly against my heated core. “You can’t do things like that. I’m trying to be the noble one of this group, but my self-control is slipping, princess.”
I tuck my lips between my teeth and bite down, trying to hide my victorious smile.
Otis sets me down on my feet and turns me to face in the direction of my bathroom and sleeping space. With a light slap on my ass, he says, “Go change, we’re going out to dinner.”
* * *
Otis links our hands together as we stroll down the sidewalk in a comfortable silence, just enjoying each other’s company. As we approach a red brick building with Italian style accent décor outside, he releases my hand in favor of looping his around my waist.
The fresh scent of tomato, basil, and parmesan fills the air around the building, and I breathe deep the enticing smell.
“Mmm … that smells amazing,” I say with a grin.
“Good, because this is where we’re eating dinner.” Otis offers me a sweet smile and leans in to kiss the top of my head. Having men in my life who are all at least a head taller has its advantages at times. Like sweet kisses on the head and feeling safe swallowed up in their arms.
