Page 33 of Runaway Road (Runaway 1)

Even if I could get in my car right now, I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted. “Make it up to me?”

“Absolutely. How?”

“Dinner tonight.”

His chin fell. “I can’t tonight.”

Damn. Twice? “You keep shooting me down and it’s killing my ego,” I muttered.

“I can’t do dinner. But how about that kiss?”

My eyes whipped up as he crossed the distance between us, his hands leading the way. They came to my face, cupping my cheeks and angling my head to the side. He inched closer until his boots touched my shoes. “Well?”

I nodded.

Brooks swept down and captured my mouth, stealing all the breath from my lungs. I went up on my tiptoes as his tongue swept across my bottom lip, the gentleman seeking permission. I opened for him, letting him dive in deep.

His hands stayed on my face, pulling me to him as he let one of those low groans loose, down my throat. It sent a rush to my core. His taste exploded on my tongue, the lingering bitterness of coffee mixed with his own sweetness. His tongue dueled with mine as those soft lips pressed hard.

I would have pegged Brooks as the type to go for soft and sweet at first, but there was nothing gentle or demure about this kiss. He took what he wanted, demanding more. It was hot and I’d feel his fingertips on my face for the rest of the day.

Other than our mouths, it was the only place we touched.

I didn’t dare bring my hands to his chest. I didn’t dare risk wrapping my arms around his waist or sidling my hips toward his. Brooks was in charge and he was doing a damn fine job without my help.

The kiss ended too quickly. He pulled away, letting me go as he wiped his mouth, leaving a smug smirk in place.

“Th-thanks.” I was off-balance. “I feel better about my car.”

He chuckled. “Same.”

“So, I’ll, uh . . . go.” I took a step backward, pointing to the exit. If I didn’t get out of here, there was a good chance I’d crawl my way up his body and we’d do a lot more than kiss. I spun around as a smile spread across my face.

“Londyn?” he called.

“Yeah?”

“Sorry about the car.”

I glanced over my shoulder. “I’m not.”

Chapter Seven

Brooks

I raised my fist and pounded on my ex-wife’s door. We’d been divorced for a decade but it still felt strange to knock after living here for years.

Moira’s heels clicked across the wood floor I’d installed the year before moving out. She had a smile on her face when she answered the door—it dropped when she spotted me.

“Hi.” She was wearing a simple black dress, as she did most summer days when she worked. In the winter, she’d add a cardigan. Moira was a receptionist at a dentist’s office, and to most, she looked poised and professional. But I knew a viper lurked underneath the surface.

Moira was incredible when she wanted to be. When she didn’t, her claws left a nasty mark.

“Why’d you do it?” I didn’t bother with a greeting. We were beyond playing nice.

She was lucky I’d waited until after five to come to her house instead of marching down to Dr. Kurt’s office and having this out with her at work.

“Do what?” She crossed her arms over her chest.