Page 75 of Hearts Storm

“Right now?” I blink at him.

“Yup.” Now his cocky grin is back, dimples on full display.

I stare at him for a beat, trying to figure out what game he’s playing. But the look in his eyes is so earnest, so open, that I find myself reaching into my bag and pulling out my phone.

Brex leans against the wall next to my front door, arms crossed, watching me with an infuriatingly patient look on his face.

Scrolling through my contacts my thumb hovers as I think about what I want to send.

When the idea hits, it makes me chuckle under my breath.

Typing a few keywords, I find what I’m looking for and hit SEND.

His phone chimes in his pocket, and he pulls it out.

Glancing down at the GIF I sent—a cartoon tree falling in slow motion through a forest, complete with a tiny squirrel clinging to a branch for dear life—he lets out a bark of laughter that makes my heart soar.

“Really?” He shakes his head, still grinning as he glances up at me.

“What?” I tease incredulously, tucking my phone back into my bag. “Too soon?”

“Never.” He pushes off the wall, closing the distance between us in one quick stride.

Next thing I know, he’s in my bubble, hand cupping the back of my neck and he’s kissing me. His lips, warm and demanding, taste like coffee and the promise of sex.

Hands flying to his chest for purchase, I curl my fingers into his flannel and the soft fabric of his T-shirt underneath, returning his kiss with everything I’ve got. Heat radiates through his clothes, scorching up my arms and into my chest, making me dizzy with need.

But almost as quickly as it started, it’s over. He pulls back, eyes dark and hungry, thumb pressing into my bottom lip.

“You keep surprising me, Pretty. Not only are you smart, brave, and sexy, but you’re funny too.”

My heart flip-flops, and my snide comeback gets stuck in my throat when he brushes his nose over mine.

“Saturday. Seven o’clock. I’ll pick you up.”

All I can do is nod.

Voice gruff, he asks, “What are you wearing?”

Tilting my head, I find my wits and my nerve, giving him a small smile and shrug. “A dress.”

“Ha. Ha. Brat. What color?”

I haven’t bought the dress yet. Sasha is going to take me shopping in a couple of days. However, I do happen to know what color I plan on wearing.

“Red.”

“Damn, Pretty. You’re gonna make it impossible for me to keep my hands to myself, aren’t you?”

The thought of bringing this man to his knees sends a sharp thrill through my body. “You said just friends.”

Here comes that signature smirk again. “Very friendly friends.”

Rolling my eyes, I push my key into the lock. “You’re ridiculous.”

“So everyone tells me.” Shoving his hands into his pockets, he takes a step back. “Get some rest. Promise you’ll text me if you need anything.”

I give him a withering look.