Page 30 of Billionaire Bad Boy Auction

She sighed. “You’ve got more patience than most people.”

“Maybe. I just don’t want to give up on him. Not yet.” I glanced her way. “So, what’s your deal? Are you sticking around?”

I didn’t know why I asked. It didn’t matter. It was none of my business what she did or didn’t do.

She didn’t answer right away. I watched as she took a drink from the bottle like she was using it for a little liquid courage. “I might.”

It wasn’t much. But it was something.

We both sat in silence, watching the fire and alternating between beer and whiskey.

I should’ve gotten up. Should’ve told her goodnight and walked away before whatever this was turned into something I couldn’t put back in a box. But I didn’t.

Instead, I stayed there beside her, listening to the sound of the water lapping at the shore, pretending like it was just another night. Like she was just another person.

And for the first time, I knew that was a lie. She wasn’t just another person. She was the person I wanted to lay down on this dock, kiss until we were both lost in the throes of passion. I wanted to hear her moan my name. She’d been driving me wild since I laid eyes on her at the auction, and every passing second I spent with her made it clear there was something burning between us. I couldn’t lie to myself anymore.

She caught me watching her. Her gaze dropped to my mouth. That was a pretty clear indicator she was thinking the same thing I was.

I seized my chance. I leaned in, cupped her cheek, and kissed her.