Sweet On You - By Kate Perry Page 0,36

chemistry."

Since he was Italian, Tony spoke effusively anyway, but right now he sounded especially loud. "You and Daniela move across the country, and you go crazy like co-eds on spring break."

"We haven't made any topless videos." Because some devil prodded her, she added, "Yet."

"This conversation is far from finished, Marley." He hung up.

She gripped her phone so tightly it was a wonder the case didn't crack. Her knees should have been trembling, and she should have been afraid for her job. She should have worried that she's blown her chance with Tony. But she felt...

Angry.

How dare he sound like it was such a stretch for her to date someone? She wasn't completely hideous, and she was nice. When she wanted to be, at least. Men wanted her. Sometimes.

She could prove it. Eyes narrowed, she made another call.

Brian answered right away. "Marley, is the world ending?"

"Not before we go to see a movie together."

"The world is definitely ending if you're asking me to a movie, but I think we can squeeze it in before it's all over. They're showing Die Hard at the Castro. It's a Christmas Classic if there ever was one."

"Great," she agreed savagely.

"You want to catch the early showing, or a later one?"

"Early."

"Excellent. I'll pick you up." He paused. "That's what this is about, isn't it? You want me for my ride?"

She smiled, just a little, his light-heartedness crowding her anger away. "It is really sexy."

"Damn. I knew it." He sighed dramatically. "I guess I'll have to deal."

She laughed.

"I love that sound. You should make it more. I'll text you before I head over. Marley?"

"Yes?"

"I'm glad you called," he said softly before he hung up.

She set her phone down. She was too.

It was the best moving watching experience ever.

Every time Bruce Willis came on the screen, the audience would yell "McLane!" They'd boo the bad guys and cheer every time there was an explosion.

But the real magic was with Brian. They shared popcorn with Junior Mints mixed in (her idea) and held hands (his idea).

Marley left the showing high on sugar and happiness. After a sushi snack, they got fresh cookies from next to the theater and cartons of milk and headed to her place.

She still felt fizzy and effervescent when Brian pulled into the driveway and parked—so much so she impulsively said, "Let's have our cookies in the backyard."

"Okay." Brian took her hand and let her lead the way.

The half-moon was their only light, so she went slowly. "I don't come back here that often."

"It's a shame. It's awesome." Brian nodded at the stone wall fencing the yard in. "Let's sit up there."

"Let's."

She watched him find a toe-hold and boost himself up, following his example less gracefully. She shifted her butt off a sharp spot, letting her legs dangle over the other side.

"Here." He handed her a carton of milk. "Chocolate chip cookie first?"

"Yes." She set the milk next to her and took the half cookie he held out. It was still warm from the oven, the chocolate chips melty and slightly bitter.

"I love cookies like this," Brian admitted. "My best friend's mom used to make cookies like this for us."

"Not your mom?"

"Hell no." He faked a shudder. "My mom is fantastic and talented in many ways that exclude cooking. She manages to burn water."

Marley smiled. "My mom's the same way. Growing up, I knew all the phone numbers for restaurants that delivered by heart."

"But now you have all the warm chocolate chip cookies you want."

She shook her head. "Daniela doesn't bake just for us. These days, she's not around that often either, though she has been baking more."

"Bummer." He held out another cookie. "Snickerdoodle?"

She broke half, swinging her feet, happy. "I didn't know you'd be able to see the lights of Golden Gate Bridge from here."

He nudged her shoulder with his. "Stick with me, kid. I'll take you places."

The brush of his body, even with all the layers of clothing, made her shiver. Impulsively, she turned her head and kissed his cheek.

"You missed." He pointed to his mouth.

Eyes narrowing, she braced herself on the wall, leaned, and kissed him on his lips.

He let her. Literally—he didn't make a move to help or encourage, nothing more than shifting closer to make it easier on her.

Giddy with power, she leaned into him, pressing herself to the side of his body. He tasted sweet, like cinnamon and chocolate. Daniela would have said those were the ingredients for seduction.

Was she ready to seduce?

Confused, she pulled back.

She'd have expected Brian to