Page 108 of My Favorite Hero

“I don’t mind,” he insisted.

“But I do,” a voice behind me spoke.

I didn’t have to look to see who it was. I knew that gruff, displeased tone anywhere.

Thorne.

I turned, meeting his gaze. I expected it to be removed, cool. The way it was during our first few encounters.

I didn’t expect the intensity emanating from his eyes. The fire.

Alan frowned. “Sorry?”

“I’ll walk Casey to her car if she needs to be walked. But she’s here to see me,” Thorne stated firmly, not taking his eyes off me. He had a smear of dirt across his cheek, and his hair was wild, making him look gruff and sexier than ever.

But what was he doing?

Alan looked between us, then grinned. “Oh, my bad. Nice to see you again, Casey. Feel free to bring more cookies anytime.” He winked.

Thorne growled.

Like an animal. I swore he bared his teeth. Alan and the other two firemen turned and hurried away. They muttered something to one another, but I couldn’t make out what it was.

I crossed my arms, glaring at Thorne.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” he replied, an edge to his voice. “Simply speaking the truth. I invited you here.”

“Well, since I wasn’t sure I was still welcome under your invitation, I invited myself. I hadn’t expected you to even speak to me.” I lifted my chin. “In fact, I’m not sure I want to speak to you.”

He leaned forward, his voice low and rough. “Then you shouldn’t have worn that dress.”

My eyes widened. He continued to speak.

“You have no idea how hard I’m trying to hold myself back.”

“H-hold back?” I sputtered.

His voice dropped even more. “I want to throw you over my shoulder and take you to some quiet corner. Kiss you until you are breathless and peel that dress off you.”

I was shocked. “I thought you were mad at me.”

“I was mad at myself. And it took you walking in here looking like a siren from the sixties for me to realize why.”

“Why?” I asked, almost whimpering.

“Because as soon as I saw you, I didn’t care that I was being watched. I wanted to yank you into my arms and kiss you in front of everyone. Let them know we’re together.”

I blinked.

“I don’t care that it’s only for now. I don’t care what happens in six months or a year. Right now, we’re together. We’re exclusive. And I want to be able to show it.”

“What stopped you?”

“You hate being kissed without permission,” he replied frankly. “I wasn’t sure you wanted that.” He drew in a deep breath. “Because that dress is so fucking spectacular on you, and I don’t want to ruin it. I need to have a proper shower before I touch you. I want you to wear it for me again. When I take you out on a real date.”

I was so shocked at his words, I was barely able to speak.