This time, he’s the one to shift closer.
“Well, you’re doing just fine,” I say, my voice dropping as soft as possible while still being audible. “I’ll make it easier on you. Don’t worry about saying the rightthing, just keep looking at me like that, and we’ll be good.”
Brady dips his head closer to mine, his hand coming to rest on my hip. “And how am I looking at you, Sage?”
My eyes flutter closed as I feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. “Like I’m the only woman in this room.”
I feel his body vibrate with his chuckle. “Good. Because as far as I’m concerned, you are.”
I turn my head, and our lips meet. His big hand comes up to cup my cheek, and he presses in deeper.
Okay, then.
I lose track of time as we kiss. Everything around us fades away, and my awareness zeroes in on the scratch of his stubble against my chin, the warmth of his tongue tangling with mine, and the way his fingers keep clenching, then releasing my body. Like he wants to hold me tighter but is trying to be a gentleman.
He’s a perfect stranger, and this is a perfect moment. A perfect way to say goodbye to Manitoba, to Canada for a while.
Brady pulls back first, a soft smile on his face. He slides a hand down my arm, to the small of my back where it lingers. “Did you know France has more time zones than any other country?”
I rear back, my hands coming to his chest as I look at him in shock. “Did you just random fact me?”
He chuckles and nods. “Sure did. What, you can’t take it?”
“Oh, it’s on.” I grin. “Did you know, on average, we blink fifteentimes a minute?”
“Did you know octopuses have three hearts?”
I shake my head at his quick response, far too entranced and amused by this surprising man. “Okay, I’ve got the fact of all facts. Did you know it’s impossible to hum while plugging your nose?”
His hand starts to lift, and then he freezes, and we both burst out laughing.
“Shit, I was actually going to try it.”
I lift my drink once again. “I’m impressed with your knowledge of obscure facts.”
Brady grins and takes a sip from his beer. “Thanks. I’ve got twin siblings that went through a very strange encyclopedia obsession phase. It made for some interesting dinner conversations.”
“Older or younger?” I ask, taking another drink.
“Younger. They just finished high school last year.” Brady turns and sets his beer down on the counter behind him and steps closer to me.
“But I don’t want to talk about my siblings anymore.”
“No?” I ask, the word coming out a lot more breathy sounding than I intended. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Who says I want to talk?” He dips his head down and brushes his lips across my jawline softly before pressing more firmly on my mouth. When I feel his tongue gently probing, I open, taking him deeper. Threading my arms around his neck, I give in and let go.
I don’t want to talk, either.
I pull back, breaking our kiss. There’s absolutely no mistaking the interest and heat burning in his eyes.
“You’re hot and fun, but this can only be for tonight. Don’t go getting attached to me.” I wink.
He nods, his thumb stroking my cheek slowly.
“I’m only back in town for a couple of days as well. And I’m definitely not looking for more than just tonight,” he replies quickly but gruffly.
Perfect answer.
