God, the awkwardness between them was rife, but he wasn’t going to let the night end on this note. He made sure he met her gaze as he moved in and wrapped his arms around her. She took a moment to adjust her face against his chest. He could feel her hands trying to figure out where to land before they came around and rested on his back. He closed his eyes and savored the moment as her chest lifted and then softened on her own long exhale.
She was in his arms, and she’d just agreed to be his.
He had everything he could ever want in this moment.
Kissing her cheek, he gave her a smile and then another soft kiss on the lips. Her golden eyes were filled with a new brightness, which compelled him to lean in and kiss her again. And again…
This time she pulled away with a grin. “Pierre is watching.”
He rubbed the sweet point of her chin, something he’d been aching to do for months. “How does this Sunday sound for a date?”
“Let’s see. I’m back at the restaurant tomorrow and Saturday since the holiday is over, but off Sunday andMonday like usual. That gives us two full days to kick off our new arrangement. Perfect. I’ll make sure to do my hair.”
So she was going to joke around, was she? “Maybe I’ll ask Dean to recommend one of his crazy T-shirts for me to wear.”
“He’s already worn BEST KISSER,” she commented dryly. “Like I said, you could win a Michelin star in that department. Since I already know that about you, it would be redundant.”
His feet suddenly felt firmer under him. They were getting back to more familiar ground, teasing each other. “When you first kissed me, you told me I needed lessons.”
She bit her lip before making a playful moue of her mouth. “I lied.”
“I know. Good night, Mad.”
“’Night, Kyle,” she said softly even though she’d already said it.
He wanted to stay with her. He made himself turn and walk away.
Falling into bed with her would be too easy. She deserved more.Theydeserved more.
Because he planned for them to have it all.
Nothing else would be good enough.
And Kyle Taylor was a man who got what he wanted.
