He caged me in and leaned down, brushing his nose against my cheek. “Sure about that?”
The powerful connection we’d shared so long ago was still there, still too strong to ignore. At that point, all it would’ve taken was two words—let’s go—and I would’ve followed him out of the bar right then. Yet, that simple realization also produced a bunch of red flags that had little to do with him and a lot to do with me. I’d vowed to never let the flutters in my heart make my decisions again. The mere act of looking into his eyes, the feel of his finger brushing my skin, and the heat of his body against mine had sent my heart skipping over a cliff. But I wouldn’t follow it over. Warring emotions aside, I would not go out like a sappy, horny bitch.
Ducking under his arms and putting some much-needed distance between us, I said, “I’m very sure. Like I said earlier, I never thought I’d see you again. While it’s good to know you’re okay, it’s probably best we keep it moving.” Then, I walked away without looking back.
Twenty minutes later, I was ending my shot date with Louis Holter, architect working with Dallas’ boyfriend, Preston Hayes. This time, the conversation had flowed freely. There were no teeth-picking incidents. He’d been a perfect gentleman. Funny, interesting, and engaging. But I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Maddox. Now that I knew he was around, I couldn’t look away. I’d noticed him moving around the room, snapping pictures, chatting with his siblings, and charming the dresses off of the female attendees. And I hated it. I hatedthemfor smiling at him, for flirting with him. Because I wanted to do all of those things myself, even against my better judgment.
“It was good to finally meet you,” Louis said, standing. He walked over to me, pulled out my chair, and waited for me to stand. “Maybe we could catch a movie.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Maddox taking a picture of a group of women who’d arrived together. One chick, the one with the long legs and tight-ass dress, handed him her business card. And that muthafucka tucked that shit in his pocket.
“Sloane?”
I blinked, forcing my attention back to my not-too-bad date. “Yes?”
“Are you okay? You seem distracted.”
“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just tired.”Tired of my own bullshit.
Taylar walked over to us, a wide grin on her face. “You’re under the mistletoe,” she chirped, pointing upward.
Instinctively, I met Maddox’ waiting gaze across the room. I peered at the ceiling, then at Louis. Then, I stepped out from under the stupid plant. I told myself it was because I hated mistletoe and Hallmark movies and corny traditions that didn’t mean anything.
Louis let me off the hook, though, and made up some excuse about having a first kiss in the middle of a Singles party. I shot him a nervous smile. “Thanks,” I mumbled.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” he offered.
“Oh, I’m not leaving right now.” I pointed over at Bliss. She’d been watching the scene unfold since I’d emerged from the back with Maddox on my heels. “I’m waiting on my cousin.”
“I understand. Talk to you soon, I hope.” Louis gave me a sweet hug before he made his way out.
A few seconds later, Bliss came over to me. “You know what I think?”
“If I say I don’t care, will you tell me anyway?”
“Yep,” she said. “I think Louis was perfect for you. Successful, handsome, personable. But I also think that fate has a way of making you question everything. Maybe you should talk to him.”
“Who?”
“Maddox.” She folded her arms over her chest. “Sloane, you two need to have a conversation. And not in the back of the bar. Go somewhere quiet.”
I shook my head. “No. I’m not going down that road.”
She sighed. “You’re so damn stubborn.”
I hugged her. “You love me anyway. I better go. I have an early meeting. How long are you staying?”
“I told Taylar I would stay ‘til the end. Call me when you get home.”
Grabbing my purse, I agreed to send a text when I made it to my house. I walked toward the door, intent on ignoring Maddox. But when he called my name, I stopped. “Yes?” I said.
“Have dinner with me?”
“You’re under the mistletoe again,” Bliss announced, a sneaky smile on her lips.
Maddox and I peered up at the ceiling. Yet, unlike with Louis, I made no move to step away from him. Instead, my feet were planted to the floor, my palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding hard.
I shot Maddox a sidelong glance and prayed he would move. Then, he finally did. Except he didn’t moveawayfrom me. He movedtowardme, pulling me into his arms and brushing his lips over mine. Once, twice, three times, before sucking my bottom lip into his mouth and kissing me like we weren’t in a public bar, like we weren’t standing in front of his siblings and my cousin, like we’d known each other for years. And I loved every moment of it, every moan, every nip, every lick, every touch. Every. Damn. Thing.
When he pulled away, I slumped against the wall, grateful it was there or else I would’ve fallen to the dirty floor. It also helped that his strong hands were holding me up too. I took a few breaths and opened my eyes. I scanned the room quickly, noting Ryker’s wide eyes, Taylar’s open mouth, and Bliss’ satisfied grin. I tugged at my collar, straightened my coat, and glanced at Maddox. “Dinner would be nice.” I handed him my business card. “Thanks for not letting me fall. Goodnight.” Then, I left.
