Desiree nodded. The boy’s situation hit a little too close to home. She would have loved to hear something like that from her grandfather when he’d become her guardian. “I’m glad. I love happy endings.”
***
A few hours later, Cobra walked her to her door. “Did you enjoy the play?” he asked.
“Oh yes! I’ve always wanted to see The Lion King. Thanks for such a wonderful evening.”
“You’re very welcome. So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” he asked.
“I’m taking tomorrow off and just relaxing. I’m going to sleep late, then maybe do some shopping. What about you?”
“Unlike you, I have to get up early. I’m playing tennis with a college friend who recently moved to Brooklyn. He loves the game, so we agreed to meet in the morning to get a few matches in before the day starts. Then that afternoon, I have a Zoom call with my family. I’m on the committee that’s hosting our family reunion next weekend.”
“A family reunion sounds like fun.”
“It always is when the Masters get together.”
They stopped at her door, and she turned to him. Anticipation was running through her. He had never walked her to the door without kissing her, and she saw no reason tonight would be any different. She had enjoyed dinner and the play, and he had been a perfect gentleman. He’d kept his word and hadn’t tried any funny business.
“Thanks again for tonight, Cobra.”
“It was my pleasure.”
She didn’t want it to seem like she was expecting him to kiss her, but when he took a step toward her, she took one toward him. But instead of pulling her into his arms, he asked in a low voice. “Aren’t you going to invite me in, Desiree?”
Invite him in?He had to be kidding. “Why would I do that?”
He reached up and lightly traced her lips with the thumb of his finger, making all sorts of tingling sensations erupt in her stomach. “Usually, that’s how an evening ends. You invite your date in for something to drink—beer, coffee, wine, or even water.”
Leaning in close, he whispered, “However, I do have another reason for wanting you to invite me inside.”
Desiree caught herself before she got too excited. He wouldn’t do anything that would make him lose the bet he’dmade with his brothers. So what was he doing? “And what reason is that?”
So, I can give you the kind of kiss you deserve.”
***
To her credit, Desiree remainedcomposeddespite suddenly feeling incredibly hot inside. Just what kind of kiss did he think she deserved? Those women who’d boasted of his bedroom skills were probably right. After all, she’d only been on the receiving end of Cobra’s kisses, but she knew he was truly a master. His kisses had made any she’d experienced before seem like childish pecks. Because Cobra hadn’t just kissed her, he’d drunk inthe very breath from her lungs. It was as if her lips had been the only sustenance he’d needed, and he’d claimed every inch of her mouth with a desperation that she’d felt through her whole body.Did he think that hadn’t been mind-blowing enough for her? That she deserved another kind of kiss? For crying out loud, just what did he have in mind? She might be playing with fire, but she wanted to find out.
“Cobra?”
He stared at her with those intense dark eyes. “Yes, Desiree?”
“Would you like to join me in a glass of wine before leaving?” she asked, trying to calm the anticipation that was flowing all through her.
“I would love to.”
She unlocked the door, and he followed her inside.
CHAPTER 10
“Would you prefer red or white wine, Cobra?”
He glanced over at Desiree, who’d run her tongue over her bottom lip. She was nervous. That much was obvious. “I try to watch my intake of wine, and since I had a glass at dinner, I’d prefer a cup of coffee if it won’t be any trouble.”
“It won’t. How do you like it?”
“Black.”
