like it would continue for a while.
“Sounds good to me,” she said, and then pushed up onto her toes to give him a peck on the cheek.
I’m officially dating Blake Harrison.
As they continued their walk through the park, she couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
10
“Let’s go back to my place.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt like Blake could see right through to her real intent. The fire that had been burning inside her was finally escaping and the energy only had one place to go: Blake.
He didn’t argue, because why would he? She could see instantaneous understanding in his features as soon as the words had come out of her mouth. He let her lead him through the parking lot, the two of them on their own unified—though unspoken—mission.
Because it didn’t need to be said. Now that the truth was out in the open between them—we’re dating—it opened the door for everything else. But most importantly, that big, throbbing question mark they’d been glancing at for the past few weeks was about to be addressed. Laid to rest, even.
Blake drove with his left hand, using the other to keep her hand clasped in his. She could barely contain her excitement. This felt like her first time all over again, for some reason. She’d been intentionally cautious with her heart ever since her ex, and that, of course, had the unintentional side effect of being cautious with her body, as well.
She hadn’t been with a man since her ex, so letting Blake in—even letting him get this far—was a big deal.
Once he pulled into her driveway, she could practically hear the gunshot signaling the start of the race. Her legs were jelly as she slid out the passenger side. Blake was there suddenly, squeezing his arm around her waist like he knew how she was feeling and understood that she needed his support. He guided her toward the front door, and once they were safely inside, he pushed the door shut, pinning her between his arms.
They locked eyes, something heavy and meaningful shuddering between them. She was bursting on the inside, her heart straining with emotion and meaning she couldn’t find the words to express.
But she didn’t need them. She just needed Blake.
She surged forward, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. His warm hands cupped her face and she melted into him, one kiss bleeding into countless more. His tongue surged past her lips, tangling with hers. There was so much circulating inside her, so much need and desire, she felt like she might explode.
But Blake could handle it—seemed eager to, based on how his hands had started a slow, tempting pattern over her hips. The way he pinned her body to the door with his hips, allowing the hard length of him to make itself known against her track pants.
She fisted the front of his shirt, catching a whiff of his scent, which was even more powerful than usual today, tinged with sweat and the outdoors. She moaned through a kiss and suddenly Blake hoisted her into his arms.
He pressed his forehead to hers, breathing heavily.
“Michelle.” The way he said her name sounded like a warning.
“What?”
“I’m going to be honest.” He ran his tongue over his bottom lip, his eyes dancing back and forth over her face. “I’m real close to turning into a caveman with you. I don’t know how much longer I can behave myself.”
His chest heaved, something raw and real slashed across his face. Her entire body went warm at the confession. It was sexy and somehow illicit.
“Who asked you to behave?”
“I thought you did.”
“Caveman,” she said, “is exactly what I’m looking for.”
Blake grinned, pure mischief and understanding, and then he dove in for more kisses. Fervent this time, more urgent, like he’d finally given himself permission to unleash whatever side he’d been hiding from her.
And really, she loved his gentlemanly side. The way he’d taken it slow with her. Given her time to open up and think about things.
But now? She wanted all of him. Hard. Fast. And immediately.
Blake palmed her ass cheeks, his fingertips digging into the fleshiest part. He moaned through a kiss then, breaking apart long enough to whisper, “God, I’ve wanted to do that for so long.”
And then he was kissing her again, his pelvis rocking against her. The steel length of his erection glided between her legs, pushing against her aching core. A shiver wracked her body.
“Oh, Blake,” she whispered, clinging to him. He