I swing it open and my breath hitches as I get a look at the man. His hair is artfully mussed, giving him an air ofI don’t give a flying F, but his nervous smile tells a different story. He’s wearing a black round-neck sweater that molds to his slim, fit torso perfectly. It’s paired with dark jeans and black boots that make the whole package something straight out of my dreams.
“You look beautiful, Alyssa.”
I grin, thinking about how freaking hot he looks with the moon shining down around him, illuminating him like a Greek god. I’m going to throw caution to the wind and shoot my shot by pulling him into my house and making him mine.
Grabbing his arm, I pull him in, not at all gentle. I barely have the door closed before his mouth is on mine and I’m throwing my coat to the floor.
Sweet Jesus can this man kiss a girl senseless.
Every night we’ve spent together since the case was solved has gotten progressively more intense, but right here in this moment, you’d need a foghorn and fire hose to separate me from him. Even then... good luck.
His arms wrap around my body, pulling me flush against him. I moan into his mouth as proof of his attraction presses against me. My core tightens with need and my kisses grow feral. Our tongues twirl around each other in between nips at my bottom lip. The mewling noises coming from me would be embarrassing if I wasn’t so lost in him.
I slide my hands down his sides until they hit the top of his jeans, moving toward the button. My fingers fumble with the thing, attempting to make my intentions known.
Nick groans, pulling away and leaning his forehead against mine. His breathing is labored and when I place my hand on his arms, which are pressed against the wall encasing me, I feel them quiver under my touch.
He clearly found it hard to pull away... so why did he?
Mint and sandalwood wash over me until Nick presses off the wall and puts distance between us, leaving me panting with need.
“That... was some greeting.” His husky voice settles over me and the tingles from before magnify.
I step back into him, pushing up on to my toes, grabbing him by his sweater to pull him closer still. “It doesn’t have to stop there.”
I press my lips to his, resulting in a lingering kiss that I hope conveysI’m ready for more.
“We’d better go,” he chuckles against my lips, pulling away again and grinning down at me.
I don’t need him to tell me he can read me like a book. He’s been able to since the day we first spoke. Right now, my body is screamingCome hitherand he sees it. So why stop?
“Do we have to?” I bite my bottom lip, trying at seduction.
“Yes,” he says, hauling me into him once more and placing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’m doing this right. Food first and then we’ll see where this night goes.” He winks and fireworks explode in my gut. “You look too gorgeous not to show you off. I want everyone in town to know you’re mine.”
Well, when he puts it like that...
There’s no doubt in my mind that dating Nick will be an adventure. One that begins tonight.
I grab my coat off the floor and follow Nick into the cold Massachusetts night. I close the door and lock it, but when we turn to go, Nina is standing in the dark, blocking our path.
She looks haggard and sick.
“Nina? What’s wrong?” I ask, rushing to her side, pulling her arm under mine to ensure she doesn’t fall over.
“I... I saw what Richard did.” Her voice wobbles so much I almost miss the words.
“What do you mean? Are you saying you didn’t know this whole time?”
That would change everything. Nina always told us she was protecting us by not sharing the details. If she didn’t know, why was she so scared? What has she been hiding?
She shakes her head violently. “I knew he was aware of my past, but he promised he wouldn’t interfere if I stayed. I just saw what Richard did today when I visited the prison to serve him divorce papers.”
My mouth drops open and I’m unsure what to make of this.
“How did you see it?” I manage to get out.
“When I touched him, I saw the measures he’s taken in case I left. It was like watching a horrible movie. He lied to me, Alyssa.” Her bottom lip quivers and I take a step toward her.
