fingernails dug into the side of his face, and I suddenly realized we had a captive audience that no longer included my ex. I pulled back and blinked up into his dark, amused eyes. I pulled my hand away but couldn’t put space between us because his hand was resting on my hip and holding me in place, pressed up against his wide, strong chest. He lifted a hand and rubbed his thumb across his bottom lip and lifted an eyebrow at me. Vaguely, I heard the sound of a woman sigh from somewhere over my shoulder.
My tongue darted out so I could lick my dry lips, and I heard a sound that was something close to a growl rumble from deep within his broad chest. This was not the cute kid who stole the hearts of millions all those years ago. This was a full-grown man who kissed like a pro and could seduce even the most reluctant with the smoldering look in his dark eyes. If he was dangerous when he was a teenager, there wasn’t a word for how much of a threat he could be now.
I pushed on his chest and silently urged him to give me some room. He stepped back, but didn’t fully let go of his hold on me. Realizing we were surrounded by curious eyes, I kept my gaze locked on his, frantically searching for a solution to the predicament I blindly launched myself into.
I wanted to shut Erik up and send him on his way feeling two-feet tall, but I hadn’t taken the time to think about the fall-out from my actions. I thought I’d moved past being someone who acted so recklessly. The young man standing in front of me was the catalyst for my decision to stop and think carefully before I did anything that might blow up in my face. Apparently, he was also the fuse that led to the powder keg of impulsivity.
I closed my eyes and swore under my breath as Salinger chuckled low in my ear. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before your ex comes back or we end up as breaking news.”
I snorted but allowed him to lead me through the crowd by the elbow. He had his phone in his other hand and was rapidly tapping out a message as he effortlessly dodged people who were purposely putting themselves in his path. “Oh, we’re gonna be the top story tomorrow. No question.”
What in the actual hell was I thinking?
Could one claim temporary insanity when it came to a kiss?
Lennon was going to have a field day once she found out about the chaos I’d unleashed this evening. I could see her smirk and hear her mocking tone already. Not that I didn’t deserve a tad bit of shaming. After all, I did try and fire her for ambushing me with the very boy I’d just locked lips with.
It was all a mess.
Once outside of the venue and through a maze of tents and security to protect us from the prying eyes of the press, Salinger led me to a sleek silver limo that was waiting. I was supposed to have my own car service pick me up and drop me back in Malibu, but I really didn’t want to wait around for them. Not only because of the ruckus kissing Salinger caused, but because there was still a chance I might run into Erik, and I’d used up every ounce of patience I had for him already.
Salinger waved off the driver and opened the door for me himself. He purposely placed himself in front of me so that when I slid inside, and the hem of my dress inched up, no one would get an eyeful. It was a surprisingly thoughtful gesture that didn’t track with the immature, thoughtless behavior I associated with him.
Once inside the car, I came face-to-face with another young man who looked downright furious. He was good looking in the same edgy, rebellious way Salinger was. He had very dark hair and very blue eyes that seemed to almost glow iridescent in the dark interior of the car. He wasn’t dressed as formally as Salinger but still looked sharp in a fitted pinstripe suit with a simple t-shirt underneath the jacket. He was tapping his finger on his thigh in a clearly irritated way and glared daggers at Salinger.
“Maren, this is my younger brother, Jeno. Jeno, meet Maren Copeland. We used to work together.” Salinger sounded amused,