speck of lint off her sweater. “Let him decide how to react.”
My phone lights up with a text, buzzing on the bar top a second later. I drag the device closer and glance at the screen.
SBM: Where are you, sweetheart?
Me: Cup & Plate with Casey.
SBM: Okay, I’ll be there soon.
The ruckus around me tapers off until only a muted clomping crashes against my ears. Time slows as I stare at those words. His short message has my pulse rioting to thundering beats. It feels like a solid five minutes pass before my fingers regain mobility.
Me: Come again?
SBM: That’s what she said.
Me: What have I told you about stealing my jokes?
SBM: You’re laughing. Don’t pretend.
Me: But be serious. I’m going to see you?
SBM: Hell yes. I’ve been granted free rein, Lee. That means I’m coming for you. Over and over. *winky face emoji*
I glance at my entourage of one, a smile quickly invading the shock. “Guess he’s finding out tonight.”
Survival tip #29: The journey is dull without a few surprises, which always seem to arise at the most likely curve.
The instant I’ve cleared the bar’s doorway, my starving gaze is on the prowl. I narrow in on the glossy cascade of dark waves before my eyes have adjusted to the dim lighting. My feet are carrying me toward Blakely within the next staggering breath.
Even concealed in a pink coat I’ve never seen, the curves of her waist and hips call to me. I want to toss her over my shoulder and haul us off to some quiet place where no one can disturb us. Holding off will be the ultimate test of my control. My need for her rivals a savage beast in the wild, hunting for his mate under the glow of the moon beyond conceivable reason. That craving sinks into the very structure responsible for propelling me forward.
The last thing I want is to scare her, but the intensity is thrashing through my veins. I’m not a barbarian, but she makes me feel capable of razing down any man who dares to look at her. At this rate, I’m likely to burn this entire building for the chance at having her alone.
After exhaling the fire in my lungs, I erase the final stride between us. “Would it be cliché if I ask to buy you a drink?”
Even though she’s turned away, I see the moment recognition strikes her lax features at hearing my gruff timbre. Blakely pivots on the stool until her legs are wedging between mine. Shaking fingers lift to my jaw, cupping with delicate care. “You didn’t shave.”
I press a kiss to her palm. “Just a bit off the top. Someone likes me scruffy.”
Blakely nods into my hold and a single droplet escapes from her lashes. “I like a lot more than that.”
Having those baby blues pinned on me after a drought is more potent than her fist around my shaft. I shudder while bowing into her, pressing our foreheads together. “I missed you, sweetheart.”
Her eyes glitter with more unshed tears. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”
The last thread of my patience snaps faster than a matchstick. I spear my fingers into her hair, gripping at the roots. Blakely’s damp cheek is cradled in my palm when I slam our lips together. She moans into my mouth and claws at me for more. I swipe my tongue along her bottom lip, seeking the entry I’ve been denied for too many nights. The hunger in my gut is fed by her body pressing into mine. Nothing should ever taste this sweet, so potent and decadent. I inhale another dose of pure sugar as she opens wider. We’re clinging to each other without a care as to who’s watching. I almost hoist her ass off the stool and pour gasoline on our flames, but an unfamiliar voice stops me.
“Wow. I’d totally have your babies.”
Blakely jerks away from me with a gasp. There’s a moist smack as our lips are forced apart on a very premature basis. The haze of our kiss evaporates as I turn to glare at our rude interruption.
“Excuse me?”
Blakely squeaks beside me. “Uh, she’s joking. This is my friend, Casey.”
The black tint fades from the edges of my vision. That doesn’t mean I offer her a smile. “Hey, I’m Halder.”
She snorts. “Oh, I’m well aware who you are.”
“She’s all I see. Causes some sort of blinders syndrome, and I get caught in the moment. Sorry for being an ass.” But there’s zero apology in my tone.