cupping my bottom. Pressing my lips to his, I kiss him with no holds barred, showing him with my lips what my words can’t possibly say. When I pull away, his mouth is swollen and pink, and his eyes are hooded with latent desire. “I accept. Thank you so much, Drake.”
He leans forward and catches my bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth and pulling a moan from deep inside me. He presses the heated center of me against the growing bulge in his jeans, and I wrap my arms even tighter around his neck. My fingers play in the soft hair at the nape of his neck.
“This is gonna be incredible. Promise you that, sweetheart.” His tone has gone all husky and low, sending the flow of blood in my veins toward the ache between my thighs. I rub against him, and his answering groan sends sparks of gratification through my body.
“Mea.” Gravel coats his words. “Stop. I can’t take you here, so don’t tempt me.”
I move my lips along his rough-shaven jaw, stopping to nibble on his ear. His arms tighten around me. “Why can’t you take me here?”
He growls. “Because I’m not throwing you down on a cement floor, that’s why. And we need to go meet your brother.”
With a whimper, I unwrap my legs from around him and he sets me down on the floor. I’d almost forgotten that we’re meeting Mikah for dinner and drinks. Butterflies dance in my stomach at the thought of these two important men in my life meeting for the first time.
“You’re right. Rain check?” I head for the front door.
Drake follows. Opening the door for me, he palms my ass as I walk through it. “Later, sweetheart, you’re mine.”
His suggestive promise thrills me, sending chills dancing across my skin.
21
Drake
The young man sitting at the high-top table stands as we approach. Mea wraps him a fierce hug as soon as she’s close enough, and I take a second to evaluate Mikah Jones.
He’s tall and slender, not as tall as my six foot three but close to it. Other than the height, he’s Mea’s male twin. His hair is short and a mess of wild dark brown curls, his skin matches her bronzed tone exactly. Deep, dark green eyes are spaced widely under bushy black brows. His mouth is curved into a tender smile as he hugs his big sister.
“Hey, sis. You doing okay?” His drawl is distinctly southern, a mixture between his Kentucky heritage and his North Carolina upbringing.
Mea pulls back and holds him at arm’s length, her shrewd gaze scoping him out from top to bottom. Then she slaps him, hard, on the arm. “I feel like I never see you anymore! A kid moves to Wilmington, only forty minutes away, and never looks back!”
Mikah flinches, grabbing his arm in dramatic fashion as he scowls at her. “Damn! A man be busy! I’ve got things to do!”
I step up beside my girl, holding out a hand for Mikah as I wrap the other arm around her waist. “Sweetheart, don’t beat your brother up before I can meet him.”
She rolls her eyes, but gestures toward me. “Baby brother Mikah, this is Drake. Boyfriend Drake, this is Mikah.”
He shakes my hand, but his eyes zero in on my arm wrapped loosely around his sister and the way she’s snugged into my side just because of my closeness.
From what I know about Mea, she’s probably never brought a guy to meet the most important man in her life. At twenty-five, she’s never been in a serious relationship. If I were Mikah, I’d be looking myself over carefully, too, wondering what’s so different about him?
We all sit down at the table, me sliding Mea’s chair out for her and scooting her back in before I take my own seat. And all the while, Mikah’s careful gaze watches my every move. I can’t blame the guy. He and his sister have protected each other since they were kids. I’m sure that doesn’t stop now just because they’re all grown up.
The server marches over to us. He’s clearly slammed, this being a Saturday night at the beach in March, and his brisk tone reflects that. Mikah and Mea both order a beer, but I decide to stick to water.
Mea glances at me and gives me a warm smile. The fact that she notices my change in drinking habits brings a reassuring comfort to my chest.
“So.” Mikah leans forward, his eyes locking with mine. “How did you