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“Okay.” I stretch up to kiss him, twining my arms around his neck. “Let’s go.”
So that’s how I end up at the Hop-less Horseman, playing darts against Cash, while Cole’s fiancée, Maya, gives me tips on how to hit the bullseye.
Cash is standing off to the side while I aim my throw, and he’s a maddening combination of sexy and cocky. Because of courseCash is a darts expert—one thing I didn’tknow about him.
After he hits six bullseyes in a row, while my shots barely made the board, I make a face at him. “How did I not know you were so goodat this?”
And hesmirksat me—I’m going to get even with him later—and says, “I’m good at a lot of things, Ari.”
From the lascivious glint to his eye, I have a pretty good idea what other things he’s talking about. “I guess we’ll find out,” I murmur as I walk by Cash to take my turn, brushing my hand across the front of his pants.
He catches my arm, lightly tugging me back to him. When I glance below his waist, I’m the one smirking. Dipping his head so only I can hear him, he says, “I guess webothhave some surprises, don’t we?”
Then Cash leans even closer and nips at the skin just below my ear, and I never knewthatwas an erogenous zone, but whoa—my womb clenches and it’s all I can do not to fling myself at Cash right then and there.
By the time I make it to my spot to take a shot, Maya is full-on grinning at me. “I’ve never seen Cash like this,” she confides. “Any time I’ve seen him out—here, in town, events with our friends—he’s never been so relaxed. Happy.”
I’ve only known Maya for about an hour, but I already like her, and I don’t hesitate to tell her, “He makes me happy, too.”
I’d also be happy if I got even close to the bullseye one time. Just on principle.
“It’s all about the follow through,” Maya instructs. “And hold the dart firmly, but don’t squeezeit. Keep the dart at eye level before you throw.”
Cash calls over, “You can do it.” He’s leaning back on one of the high-top tables, his dark blue shirt stretching just the right amount to show off his pecs and biceps. He catches me ogling his chest and gives a little flex, his eyes glinting with humor.
“I amsogoing to bend over when he takes his next shot,” I mutter.
Maya hears me and laughs. “You should.”
“You can do it!” Another voice jumps in, and I recognize it as Georgia, Leo’s fiancée. She’s also lovely and probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, which makes sense since she used to be a professional model. Until she was injured by a stalker, that is, a story she quickly told me only minutes after we met.
As we all sat down around one of the tables, she gestured at the faint pink line running down her cheek. “I had a stalker. Well, I had several, really. But the first one gave me this.”
“I’m so sorry,” I gasped. “That’s awful.”
“It’s okay.” Georgia took a sip of her beer and smiled at me. “It’s how I met Leo. He was protecting me. And now we’re engaged, and our wedding is next summer. So it all worked out.”
I guess so. But it still sounds terrifying.
“Come on, Ari,” Cole cheers from his spot next to Cash.
“No pressure,” I say dryly. But I concentrate, do all the things Maya told me, and I let the dart fly.
And I hit it.Bullseye! I give a hoot of triumph, and everyone claps. Which is actually pretty ridiculous, given that Cash is still winning, and it’s only a game of darts. But still. I’ll take a win when I can get one.
Cash comes over and sweeps me into his arms. His smirk is gone, his eyes are full of pride and affection instead. Quietly, he says, “I knew you’d get it. You do everything you set your mind to.”
It’sgoingtobetonight.
After spending the last few hours with Cash at the Hop-less Horseman, I’m desperate for him. After hours of hugs and kisses and heated glances, hands brushing across erotic places, Cash’s eyes constantly on me, watchful and protective and wanting.
I’m not sure where this bold woman came from. With my other relationships, sex ranged fromehtookay. But now? I don’t want to wait. I want Cash now.
My body feels electrified. Hyper-sensitive to Cash’s touch, my heart jolting at his scent, his gaze, the weight of his hand on my back.
I know Cash would wait. He would never try to rush things, more concerned about my comfort than his needs. And I love that about him. His consideration, his protectiveness, how gentle he is with me.
But tonight, I don’t want gentle or slow. I want the man I’ve spent more than half of my life dreaming about.
