“I think you’re right. I’m going to like this.”
He squeezed my hand. “Love. You’ll love it.”
Chapter Thirteen
Thai food was different, but delicious. Ezra ordered a la carte and we shared five dishes because I couldn’t make up my mind. The bottle of Pinot Gris that Ezra had ordered was good and worked well with the hotness. And once again I drank too much, though it was due to the spicy food.
I was giggling when we stepped from the cab to the street. Ezra had his arm around my waist. My hands and head didn’t feel very steady and I couldn’t walk without weaving. The whole shebang was hilarious to me.
“You’re a light weight,” he teasingly said.
“No, I’m just not a big drinker.” I then stopped, hiccupped and laughed. “Normally I have moonshine punch at the barn dance once a year.”
“Moonshine, huh? That’s impressive.”
I leaned into him as we walked off the elevator and approached Hale’s front door. “It’s not as yummy as the wine… moonshine isn’t… actually it’s not yummy at all. It tastes like burnt stream water, if that were even possible.”
I laughed and he laughed too. “No, I guess it isn’t yummy. What moonshine I’ve tasted was sour and harsh. But after a glass it got better. After two I forgot where I was.”
I started to punch in the code. Ezra did it instead. How did he know the code? He’d never walked in before. Hale must trust him to give him those numbers with a kabillion expensive things waiting inside for the taking.
“You need a shower. I’ll make a pot of coffee.” He led me inside without mauling me. I’d heard stories but with him I felt safe.
I agreed a shower would feel wonderful. “Okay,” I replied. “Good suggestion.”
I started to walk away and then I changed my mind. I wanted a kiss again. The kind he’d given me before. If he was leaving I wanted something to remember. Was I the one mauling him?
Tripping to Ezra I grabbed both of his arms and stood on the tips of my toes, pressing my mouth to his own. He quickly wrapped his arms around me and I was glad for the support and embrace, otherwise I would’ve sprawled on the floor.
He didn’t stop me, but instead, returned the kiss and let me taste the exotic food and wine still lingering on his tongue and in his mouth. I moaned, at least I thought I moaned, because Ezra didn’t strike me as a moaner.
His hands scaled my spine in creeps until his thumbs were inches from my breasts. I wanted to arch my back so he could cover them both with his hands. Before I invited Ezra to continue he set me back away from his reach. I was cold and wanted his warmth.
When I opened my mouth to protest he raised an eyebrow and showed who he was. “You’re drunk Sammy Jo and might regret it. As good as you feel and taste, I won’t take advantage where I shouldn’t. Your offer is sweet and sexy. And yes, I’d love to paw you, but I think I will pass till you’re sober.
I should feel good about that. But I didn’t, I felt frustrated. With myself, because I’d drank too much. I wanted Ezra to do whatever he felt and I needed him to do it right now. Sammy Jo Knox was on the verge of begging. That’s how aroused I was. I just referred to myself in third person. I must be losing my mind.
“Go get that shower,” he said, nodding his head toward my room.
I didn’t want to shower, unless he went with me, but I turned and did as he said. If I stayed in the room where I could see him I would rip off my clothes and plead. In the morning I had a feeling that would be embarrassing, though right now it seemed like heaven.
The water helped clear my head, as well as make me sleepy. I considered turning on the cold, but then vetoed that stupid idea. Thoughts of kissing Ezra danced through my head and I spent some extra time cleaning areas I knew he would touch and kiss. I was so well scrubbed that I glowed.
I dried off with a wrap around towel. My cotton sleep shorts and white tee shirt felt nice against my skin. I saw no reason to get dressed if he would be leaving soon. My bed looked nice and snug. Ezra would be gone tomorrow, so the bed would have to wait.
When I walked into the kitchen he poured a cup of coffee and extended his arm to me. “This will help, though actually it won’t, drinking coffee drunk is a myth. Tap water and aspirin would be best. Coffee just seems more appropriate.”
I took it, thanked him and sipped it. The blend was sweet and creamy, the way I liked it… and how the hell had he known how I liked it?
“It’s perfect,” I told him. “Am I that easy to read?”
He shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal. “I’m just observant, though it’s becoming a rarity. Most people never look around them.”
Observant wasn’t the description I had in mind, but I had to let it go and do it quickly.
“How was your shower? Feeling sober?”
I wanted to inform him of what I’d been doing. Then I didn’t, but almost did. My God, it was like I was tracking him. Like hunting a wounded beast. “Nice. I’m better now.” And still willing to get naked if you wish.