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“Yes, well… I’m glad I came, too.” His eyes twinkled, and flustered, she rushed out, “I mean, because of the gym, and all. I think it’s exciting. And I had fun.”
“I did too,” he said, voice deepening, a hint of gravel in his tone. “I enjoy any time spent with you. Maybe more than you know.”
Swallowing hard, she searched for her voice, but it just wasn’t there. He was gazing into her eyes like she already meant everything to him, and she was helpless to resist the pull. Eyes dropping to her lips, he slowly leaned in, giving her time to pull away.
Don’t do it. Push him away, get out of the truck, and leave now, she ordered herself, to no avail. She hadn’t made up her mind about what she was going to do, but she wanted his kiss. Wanted it more than her next breath. Assuring herself that she just wanted to assuage her curiosity, see what kissing him would feel like and it would never happen again, she held still and waited as he came closer and closer.
When their lips met, she was completely unprepared for the sensations that shot through her. Her eyes slid closed as she leaned into the kiss, and there was an explosion of color in her mind, every color seeming to correspond with a sensation or emotion she felt. As his lips caressed hers, it was like she felt it in every part of her body, everything coming alive and tingling, even her toes.
Her hands reached out and clutched his shirt, bunching the material in her fists as his lips parted. Her own followed suit, but he didn’t take advantage, still kissing her softly, long, open mouthed kisses that left her feeling boneless. Hands tightening around her waist, he brought her in closer, the kiss intensifying while still remaining gentle.
She had no idea how long they kissed. It felt like it went on forever, and yet wasn’t nearly long enough. He slid his tongue across her lips in one last caress before pulling back, and she fought to contain her disappointment that the most amazing kiss of her life was over. And it hadn’t even been a French kiss. Just the press of his lips against hers had caused sensations to streak through her body she’d never felt before.
Pressing his forehead to hers, he stayed just like that while they both struggled to control their breathing. Her heart was beating like she’d just finished running a marathon, and she felt certain his was the same. God, what a kiss.
“You promised no touching,” she whispered, saying the first thing that came to mind.
Pulling back, he smiled crookedly at her. “That wasn’t touching. That was kissing. You okay to stand if I help you out?”
“Of course,” she blustered. “You must think pretty highly of yourself. Your kissing skills aren’t that good.”
Lies. All lies. His kissing skills were off the charts, much better than merely good. And judging by the twinkle in his silver speckled blue eyes, he knew she was lying. Not calling her on it, he lifted her easily, stepping back and setting her on the ground. He left his hands on her waist until he was sure she was steady on her feet, and then he let go, his fingers sliding across her waist in a lingering caress.
Walking to her car in a daze, she unlocked the door and watched as Ian rounded the car, putting her bag and brownies on the passenger side. He came back around the car and stopped in front of her, so close she could feel the heat of his body seeping into hers. She thought for a moment that he was going to kiss her again, but he didn’t.
And she wasn’t disappointed. Really.
Reaching a hand up, he trailed his fingers down her cheek. “Thank you again for coming with me. And for that amazing kiss. Be safe going home.”
“I will,” she replied faintly, her whole being focused on the echo of his touch on her skin.
“I’ll see you soon.”
Nodding, she turned and climbed into her car, starting it and pulling out of the parking lot. When she looked in the rearview mirror, he was standing with his hands shoved in his pockets, watching her leave. Heart clenching, she turned back to the road, but the image stayed in her mind’s eye as she drove home, and another piece of her heart was claimed, his name written in big block letters on it.
A few days ago, she’d been so sure that staying away from him, that resisting him, would be easy. She honestly had no desire for a man in her life, and didn’t want to accept the risk that came with having one. But Ian wasn’t just any man. He was like no one she’d ever met.
Risk versus reward. The risk was there, for sure. But she was beginning to believe, wholeheartedly, that with Ian as the reward, it was worth it. Panic gnawed at her gut and climbed up her throat, but she did her best to push it down. It might be best to go into this cautiously, slowly, give herself time to get used to the thought of putting herself out there again and risking everything.
But she thought, in time, she just might be able to do this. And the thought of having a man like Ian by her side, a daughter like Shelby completing the picture, was the most beautiful image she could ever see.
IAN DROVE HOME ON AUTOPILOT, HIS WHOLE BEING focused on that toe curling kiss. It had been chaste by most standards, but it had still been knock-your-socks-off amazing. Better than any kiss he’d ever had, a million times over.
He was positive Holly felt the same way. The dazed look in her blue-green eyes had said as much. Running a hand through his hair, he exhaled, feeling his body react just to the memory of kissing her. He’d heard mated pairs talking about how much more intense physical contact was with a true mate, but in his wildest dreams, he hadn’t expected that.
All of it—the kiss, spending the evening with her, it all just strengthened his resolve to win her over. She was his mate, true, but this wasn’t even about that. It was about him, the man, needing her in his life more and more. That his tiger agreed and needed her too was just an added bonus.
Getting out of the car, he smiled as Shelby came out of the house, breaking out into a run. Skidding to a stop in front of him, she said breathlessly, “So? Did Mrs. White go with you? Did you have a good time? Did you kiss her goodnight?”
Laughing, he reached out and ruffled her hair. “Whoa there, sweets. Slow down and take a breath. Yes, she went with me, and we had a good time.”
“And? Did you kiss her? Girls like to be kissed.”
Narrowing his eyes, he said, “What do you know about kissing? You’re eight. You shouldn’t know about that kind of stuff yet.”
“I’m eight, I’m not stupid, Dad,” she replied with a roll of her bright blue eyes. “Jax, Seth, and Cammie kiss their mates alllll the time, and they all seem to enjoy it. That means Mrs. White would, too, since she’s your mate. I think it would only help your case if you kissed her.”
“I think it’s about time I had a talk with my fighters,” he muttered. “They’re far too free with their thoughts and actions around you.”
