AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She groans with embarrassment. “No. I’ve never had to sneak a picture before.” Then she purses her lips. “What did you mean bybecause I’m me?”
The energy shifts and crackles between us. Depending on my response, we may have a smooth or bumpy ride while in Vail.
I take the coward’s way out and drop it. “Forget I said anything.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “I don’t want to forget about it.”
To counter the tension rolling off her, I offer a breezy smile. “You’re used to getting what you want.”
She scoffs, steps back, and readies to protest or throw down; I’m not sure which and don’t want to find out.
“Hey, Leighton, I’m not trying to insult you or start an argument. Your actions speak for themselves. Look at what you just did.” I point to her pocket where her phone is. “You took my photo without so much as asking.”
She gapes, probably stunned by my honesty. I hope she isn’t insulted, because I don’t mean it that way. She only took my picture; it isn’t like she hurt me.
Hand to chest, I put on my best mock-shocked face. “I mean, wow, think of how I must feel. Objectified and flattered all at the same time.”
A slash of red streaks the apples of her cheeks and she relaxes, dropping her arms to her sides. “You heard Fallon on the phone, didn’t you?”
Sparing her further humiliation, I only nod. She chews on the inside of her cheek, clearly hesitating before saying, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s okay. I’m not offended. I was only joking about being objectified…well, kind of.” I chuckle and the upward tug at the corner of her lips is all the gratification I need.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” She pokes at my hard stomach and quickly snatches her hand back as if only now remembering who we are to each other.
Acquaintances, brought together by circumstance. Client and, for the lack of a better word, chauffeur.
She shouldn’t be reaching out and touching me the way she just did.
But I liked it.
Neither should I have held her hand and kissed her palm earlier.
But I did. Couldn’t resist.
My fingers wrap around her wrist, and I tug her close to me. “Aren’t you?”
When she opened up to me, when her voice cracked on the word “deserted,” I felt the fissure in my chest. Even still, I was unable to fully comprehend how that must feel. I’m lucky to have a family who loves me and showers me with what is too much adoration and attention at times.
I don’t want to admonish or push her away because of a silly photo. My arm slides around her slim waist, driven to keep up this easy, flirty conversation and, truthfully, satisfy my desire to have her close. I pull her body flush against mine.
She gasps, hands flat on my chest, and the tips of her fingers dig into my flesh as if she’s going to push away. She doesn’t. “What are you doing?”
“I have an idea.” I fish my phone from my pocket and hold it out in front of us. “Let’s send Fallon another one.”
She opens her mouth, surprised. Her lips are barely inches from mine, her pink tongue teasing me, and the tantalizingly faint smell of strawberries engulfs me.
“Let’s send her a selfie. You know, to prove to her that you’re actually with me.” I’m grasping for a reason and Leighton knows it, rolling her eyes.
As I lean forward to press my cheek against hers, she shifts away, only slightly, wearing a puzzled expression. “Prove to her?”
Why am I disappointed that she isn’t as close as she once was?
“Well, for all she knows, you grabbed a picture of a hot guy off the Internet and you’re pawning him off as your driver.” Garbage spews from my mouth. None of it makes sense, and while inwardly cringing at how much of an idiot I sound like, I’m desperate to take a photo with her. Hold her close.
Laughter bursts from her lips and she tosses her head back. We’re so close, her hands still on my chest and hips pressing into my upper thighs. I feel every ounce of her amusement zip through me, and I tighten my grip on her.
“Wow, look at you.” In awe, I unabashedly stare at her.
