I say, but he’s already standing and holding out his hand for me to take.
I slide mine into his without thinking, like it’s the most natural thing to do, and when I do, Katie winks at me.
They’re being silly. Treating me like we’re together instead of neighbors slash mostly strangers slash almost sort of friends. I roll my eyes at her and squeeze her hand as I pass by.
“We’ll do that shopping trip soon?”
“I’d love to. I’ll show you all the cute places in the burbs.”
“As long as it includes a stop at the ice cream place you mentioned you have a deal.”
We talked quite a bit about all the second-hand vintage boutiques, and she claims there’s a small town near her with an adorable downtown area that has three vintage markets she adores. Bonus, one of them is right next to what she swears is the best ice cream parlor she’s ever been to.
I can’t wait. I have no plans to redecorate my uncle’s place so I’m in no position to do purchasing, but I love getting ideas and gathering small items that help make his place feel more like my home.
“Shopping?” Mikah asks as we round the couch.
I wave and say goodbye to the others who still linger. Jason, one of the brothers I think, tips his chin and lifts his beer. I swear he winks at Mikah as we pass him.
We’re at his door, his hand still holding mine when I answer his question. “Katie suggested a place near her she wants us to check out someday and I told her about other stores near Uptown. I said I’d help her with their house.”
From what I learned, they became engaged earlier this summer, but Katie moved in with Jude last Christmas. She’s been slowly making the home he owns south of Charlotte into theirs, and it sounds like a big job. Partly because the home sounds enormous. Partly because according to her, Jude had nothing but couches and televisions and a couple of beds, so she’s working with a blank canvas.
“So you like her.”
“She’s sweet.”
He opens the door and then we’re in the hallway where it’s quiet and it’s only a few steps to my own apartment. My keys are in my hand, my phone in my back pocket. I don’t exactly need his help getting home, but I’m reluctant to let go of his hand.
I like this guy. It’s more than his looks or the fact he has a baby. If anything, that’s still scaring the crap out of me. But Mikah is pretty irresistible and he has such great friends. None of them come across as millionaires or guys who are cocky and arrogant due to their success.
They’re people. Sexy, loud, people.
I jiggle the keys in my hand. “I think I’ve got it from here.”
In answer, Mikah squeezes my hand harder and takes the dozen steps to my door. Before I can put the key in my lock, Mikah has my keys in his hand and he’s doing it for me.
“Mikah—”
He grins at me, and then he’s pushing open my door, pulling me in behind him like I’m entering his home and not mine.
“I’m glad you came over tonight. I’m happy you met my friends.”
He tugs me toward him and there’s a breath of space between us. It swirls with heat and anticipation and please dear Jesus, do not let me be misinterpreting this.
“I like you in my home,” he says and his voice is deeper. Smoky with an edge to it.
I swallow the bundle of nerves growing in my throat. “What’s… what’s going on?”
“I like you, Paisley.”
My jaw unhinges. I’m not expecting it and before I fully process what he’s said, his hand is at my jaw, thumb brushing along my cheek, his rich blue eyes so intense and stealing anything thought I have.
I dig deep, find the remains of my voice. “I like you too, but—”
“No buts. Nothing good comes after a but.”
And then his mouth lowers, dances across mine in the softest brush. It’s all I need before I forget my issues with him. The negatives of me falling for a guy like him.
“Oh,” I breathe out on a whisper as a shiver rolls through me. His lips are warm. Soft. Gentle.
He tastes like the smallest hint of beer and the lingering woodsy scent of his cologne.
He kisses me again, and this time, I don’t hesitate. I lean toward him, press my hand to his side and hold on for dear life