“One of your plans?”
“Tonight, I’m going by instinct.”
She seemed to like that answer, because she switched seats so that they were next to each other. Her hand was as gentle as her voice, when she cupped his cheek. “For us, this is slow.”
Chapter 18
I lost my teddy, will you sleep with me?
—Unknown
By the time Teagan arrived home, her body was humming with anticipation—and something a little more dangerous. A lot more dangerous. Her brain might want to take things slow, but the rest of her was ready for a little game of naked Twister.
They’d spent three hours at the bistro talking and flirting while the sun set. On the way to the car, he’d placed his hand on the small of her back, slipping his thumb just under the hem of her top, rubbing it back and forth along her bare skin. Which, in public, felt almost erotic. Then there was the fact that he’d led her to his car—where there was a beautiful bouquet of blush-colored dogwood, her favorite—and insisted he drive her home since this was a date.
Cue their current situation: sitting in Colin’s driveway, with sexual tension pulling them together like two big hormone magnets.
Even though they’d barely said “Boo” to each other over the past twenty years, it was as if they’d never lost touch—as if every cell in her body still recognized his.
So when he pulled into his driveway and turned off the engine, she didn’t move for the door handle. Neither did he. They just stared at each other until the dome light slowly dimmed, plunging them into darkness. Instead of making things better, the darkness created a sense of intimacy that brought her back to a time and place where she’d been free to be herself—explore whatever direction felt right.
Right then, any direction that led to more time with Colin was the one she wanted to explore. She also wanted a replay of that kiss. By the way he’d stared at her lips all night, so did he.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said, enjoying the fact that she was in a confined space with a yummy-smelling, sexy man. “And the flowers. They’re my favorite.”
“I know.”
“I haven’t received flowers in a really long time.” Flowers that were for no special occasion, but just because. They made her feel appreciated, adored.
Even though she heard him shift closer, she was still surprised when his steady, masculine hand rested on her knee, his thumb making slow circular sweeps.
“I had a great time.” His voice was as gentle as his touch. “I wasn’t sure what I was walking into tonight, but I’m glad I went.”
“For a minute there, I was preparing myself for a party-of-one kind of celebration.”
“That would never have happened,” he assured her with an unwavering tone that reminded her of just how protective he was to those he cared for. She really hoped that circle had come to include her. “The only reason I would have been a no-show was if I’d gotten the note too late, which almost happened. But I would have called you to explain.”
“I knew you’d gone in early, but I had no idea when you’d get home. Maddison mentioned you usually get home around six, so I was counting on your impressive punctuality.”
“My punctuality isn’t the most impressive thing about me,” he teased, and her nipples brought out their cocktail shakers.
“Our kiss the other night proved that.”
His hand moved a little higher, his fingers continuing to drive her right out of her mind. He had her at a nine and there was a console between them. “I loved that you invited me and that I was able to share in your special night. You were fascinating back then. You’re more so now.”
An unmistakable thrill raced through her. It had been a long time since someone found her fascinating. “I should be thanking you for making me laugh. For making me forget how awful the past year has been. For making me . . . feel like me again.” She looked at her house and back to him. “I don’t want to open the door. I’m afraid when I do, real life will suck me back in.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Then let’s stay here a little while longer?”
“And do what?” he asked, his voice rough and sexy—his hands now sliding up and down her thigh, getting higher with every pass.
She moved closer to the console. “When I saw you walk up to the table, a few things came to mind.”
“Like this?” he asked, his eyes dark with lust and focused on hers. He leaned over, across the console, moving in slow, giving her a chance to back out.
She moved closer.
