Page 67 of My Favorite Hero

“Yes. Bigger selection. And I have to go to the pet store.”

“I was going too. We can drive together.”

At my look, he shrugged. “Save gas. As friends. We are friends too, Pixie. Even if we weren’t…” He shrugged. “I’d offer anyway.”

“Sounds good. What time?”

“Uh, I have to be somewhere at eight, so we could leave around nine?”

“Sure.”

We ate in silence for a while. On occasion, I’d look up to see him watching me. Other times, I’d stare at his profile. Strong, stubborn, a dusting of hair along his jawline highlighting his masculine features.

I felt the stirrings of desire, unsure if I should suggest anything. Was the next night too clingy to ask for another round of sex?

“What?” he asked. “What did you just say?”

I felt my eyes widen and my cheeks flush. I had just said that out loud.

Clearing my throat, I spoke. “I, ah, was just wondering what you were doing tonight.”

“Oh,” he replied, biting off a chunk of pizza and chewing it slowly. He swallowed and took a drink, then met my gaze, his eyes dark and intense.

“You.”

Chapter Sixteen

JESSE

She rephrased what she’d said, but it was fine. I was already planning on keeping her this evening. Getting my fill of her.

By tomorrow, she’d be out of my system, and we could just use each other on occasion. I was certain of it.

But right now, my itch hadn’t been scratched.

“You all right with that?” I asked, finishing off my last slice of pizza.

She met my eyes, her blue gaze clear and focused. “Yes.”

“Great.” I sat back in my chair, crossing my ankle over my knee. “Any requests?”

She sputtered into her water. I noticed she only sipped her wine and wondered if she was still remembering last night.

“Um, requests?” she asked.

“For dessert. I have ice cream or some stale cupcakes.”

She narrowed her eyes, and I grinned. “What did you think I meant?”

She huffed. “You know exactly what—” Her statement ended in a yelp as I leaned forward and hauled her to my lap, laughing.

She pushed on my chest. “Asshole.”

The word was uttered without rancor, making me grin. Something about this woman kept making me grin.

“If you have other requests, Casey, I’m happy to oblige.” I bent and kissed her neck, swirling my tongue along her skin to the sensitive spot behind her ear.

She looped her arms around my shoulders. “Anything you want, big boy,” she whispered.