Page 7 of Love in Overdrive

“Former.”

She nodded. “My brother doesn’t like crowds either. Not since he came back from his deployment.”

His face relaxed. “What branch was he in?”

“Marines. You?”

“Army.”

Silence hung between them. It should have felt odd, but the crackle of attraction zipped between their joined hands. She dropped her gaze to his thumb, stroking lazy circles on her hand. The act wasn’t purposeful. No, more like innate, soothing. She met his gaze and stepped closer.

She bit back her apprehension. A question gnawed at her gut. “Are you married?”

His expression softened. “No.”

“Dating anyone?”

“No.” A small smile crossed his handsome face. He dipped his head, bringing their eyes to an even level. “You?”

“No.” The word came out on a breath.

Lord help her. She wanted his lips on hers. A few minutes ago, she’d been ready to curl up in her oversized blanket and binge true crime until Cupid left the building. But now, she wanted this stranger’s mouth on hers like she wanted her next breath.

“Laney.” His deep timbre touched something in her chest.

“Yeah.” Her gaze volleyed between those intense dark eyes and that sexy mouth.

“I know we just met, but… Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.” She moved first. It could have been the third drink, or the fact she was lonely and all the hearts and love crap was getting to her, but she locked her lips with his, and everything else faded away.

She reached up, up, and around his neck. God, she loved a tall man. One she didn’t have to bend down to hug.

He pulled her close. With strong fingers, he gripped the pockets of her jeans. She fit into the V of his legs like it was home.

A shiver snaked up her spine. Goosebumps trailed her arms. Her body shook.

He broke the kiss. “Shit. You’re freezing.”

“Huh?” The cold finally registered. Laney could have turned to ice and not been aware when this man’s lips were on her.

“We should go back. Your friend is probably wondering where you are.”

“Addison. Right.” Laney had totally forgotten about her friend or going home early.

“Can I take you out some time?”

At her nod, he opened his phone and handed it to her. Wow! Pete never let her have his phone. Now she knew why.

She typed in her number and handed it back.

“Thanks. I’ll text you.” He ran his hand up her arms and then led her back into the bar. With a half smile and a wink, he disappeared into the crowd.

“Hey, I thought you left.” Addison sat at the table alone for the first time all night.

“No, just got some air.” Laney sat and picked up her drink.

“Uh huh. With Mister tall, dark, and dangerous?” Addison winked.

“Dangerous?” Maybe to her heart, but Laney got the feeling she could trust Cade with her life.

“Something about his presence says he’s a man who knows how to take care of himself, if you know what I mean.”

Maybe, but it didn’t scare Laney.

“Are you ready to go? I have a project to finish tomorrow.” Addison slammed the last of her drink, then grabbed her coat.

Laney scanned the room. Not seeing a dark-haired head above the crowd, she picked up her coat. Walking out, she texted Sawyer to come pick them up. As they waited for her brother, she checked her messages again. Nothing from Cade yet.

She should have sent herself a text from his phone, so she had his number.

Ugh. A couple of dances and a kiss, and she was already anxious for his call.

Stop that! She tapped the side button to close the lock screen. Sure, something in her stirred when they danced. And that kiss reminded her of what it felt like to be desired. But… she needed sleep.

As she watched her brother’s SUV pull into the parking lot, she decided not to think about Cade any more tonight. But dreaming? She couldn’t control that.