haven’t driven in almost three months. It will be strange when I get home.”
Much to her shock, he tossed the keys her way.
She grabbed them mid-air, looking at him questioningly.
“You’re driving.”
“What? No! I wasn’t implying you should let me drive your car. It was just a random thought.”
“Come on,” he said, lightly taking her by the elbow and guiding her around to the driver’s side. “It’s better to practice with someone here with you. If you panic for some reason, I’ll be right at your side.”
“And I’ll be driving your car. No, Ethan, I couldn’t.”
He took her hand in his, taking the remote to unlock the doors. “Climb on up,” he said. “I’ll show you how to adjust the seat. You’re shorter than me and will need to scoot up.”
She climbed into the driver’s side of his SUV but still looked at him in disbelief. “You’re serious.”
“Of course, I’m serious,” he said, his brown eyes twinkling. He looked so pleased with himself, her mouth dropped open. Not missing a beat, Ethan ducked down and kissed her briefly. “And I’ve been dying to do that.”
Bewildered, she watched as he pressed the start button and then moved the seat forward. Had he just…kissed her? She’d woken up earlier with Ethan practically naked at her side, and he’d been a perfect gentleman. Now goosebumps broke out over her skin as he leaned close, and she could smell the clean scent of his soap and aftershave.
It had barely been a kiss, but now she felt all flustered. Ethan wasn’t her boyfriend, but he’d held her in his arms all night. He was letting her drive his car. It was almost like they’d fast-forwarded through the dating stages and had leapt into a relationship.
“All right. This has navigation,” he said, pointing to some of the controls, “but I can just tell you the way.” He continued talking, acting like he hadn’t just kissed her here in the driveway. Any doubts about how he felt about her were slowly dissipating.
Something about the way Ethan was taking control was sexy as hell. It was kind of a strange thought. She was an independent woman and certainly knew how to drive. But he’d somehow noticed she was a little nervous to do so again and decided to solve that problem then and there. And rather than making her wonder where things stood between them, he’d flat out kissed her. It had been somewhat chaste and brief, but a man wouldn’t kiss a woman he only wanted to be friends with.
Shaking her head, she fastened her seatbelt as Ethan rounded the front and climbed into the passenger seat.
“What?” he asked, his lips quirking.
“Most men would insist on driving. Isn’t that what all you alpha male, macho types do?”
He burst into laughter. “I’m helping you, sweetheart. I know you’re nervous about some day-to-day aspects of life, so here I am. You’ll drive, we’ll eat, and then we’ll meet up with our friends later on.”
“You just kissed me,” she blurted out.
His lips quirked. “I did. I hope I didn’t freak you out. You looked so cute and flustered, I couldn’t help it. It was hell holding you close this morning and not being able to touch and kiss every inch of you. I’d never rush you into something though. Ever. You’ll always be safe with me, sweetheart.”
Her heartbeat quickened. “I like you,” she said as she met his gaze.
“I like you, too. And I can’t remember the last time I’ve spent so much time with a woman and still wanted more. I date occasionally, go out with my buddies and meet women—but this isn’t like that. Not even close. I’m not interested in rushing into things or pushing for more than you’re ready for, but hell. I held you in my arms all night and couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to spend the day with you.”
Nervous butterflies filled her stomach. “I haven’t felt this way before,” she admitted.
“Neither have I. A couple of months ago, I thought my buddies were crazy for getting serious so quickly about their women, but now? I get it. Hell Kim, I’d do just about anything for you.”
She stared at him a beat, too shocked for words.
“I didn’t mean to freak you out,” he said. “Just know that I’m serious about us. Let’s go eat, okay?” he asked gently.
“Yeah. Let’s eat,” she said, her mind whirling. She adjusted the mirror so she could back out. Ethan’s SUV had all the latest gadgets—back-up cameras and who