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“So how’d your date go?”
Vivi grinned as she ran water in the sink to soak the pots for a few minutes. It was a Tuesday night in the dead of winter and the tavern hadn’t been busy at all.
“I can’t believe it took you this long to say something. I thought for sure that’d be the first question out of your mouth today. I was getting a little worried that someone died and you were in mourning. I’ve never known you to keep your mouth shut.”
Sophie smacked Vivi on the ass with the dishtowel in her hands. “I was trying not to pry, smart-ass. I figured you’d spill your guts as soon as you got here tonight, but when you didn’t say anything, I thought maybe it didn’t go well. And then I thought, that can’t be right. Justin is a sweetheart, you’re just tormenting me.”
Vivi was laughing by the time Sophie finally stopped talking. Her friend was glaring at her.
“We had a good time. There just isn’t that much to tell.”
Sophie continued to put the few dirty dishes in the washer while Vivi did the pots. It’d been so slow, Sophie’s dad had left early. Of course, he must have told them twenty times to call him if they needed anything or anyone gave them a hassle.
Of course, no one gave them a hassle. Hell, the two regulars who’d been sitting at the bar for the last hour, two eighty-year-old men with hearing aids who weighed about a hundred pounds soaking wet, had asked if she and Sophie wanted them to stay and walk them to their cars.
They’d smiled, thanked them, and assured them they’d be okay as they locked the doors behind them.
Closing the washer door and setting it to run, Sophie bumped her shoulder against hers. “So...you didn’t have a good time?”
“I didn’t say that.”
Sophie huffed. “Okay, now you’re just being a dick.”
Vivi laughed and bumped Sophie’s hip. “Seriously, there just isn’t that much to say. We went to dinner. We talked. We went back to my house for a beer and then he left.”
“He just left. He didn’t kiss you? Didn’t...”
Sophie waggled her eyebrows, making Vivi laugh.
“No. I mean...he kissed me on the cheek but it was our first date.”
“What the hell does that matter?”
Vivi shrugged. “I don’t know. It doesn’t to me. But I guess it does to Justin.”
“Huh. Maybe he’s just too shy for you.”
She thought about that for a second. “I don’t think he’s shy. I think... he’s just a really nice guy.”
Leaning back against the opposite counter, Sophie watched as Vivi mirrored her.
“You kind of make it sound like that’s a problem.”
“No, not a problem. It’s just...”
Sophie cocked her head to the side. “Just what?”
Wrinkling her nose, she huffed out a sigh. “Maybe he’s just too nice for me.”
“What does that mean?”
Vivi let her head drop back as she sighed. “Hell, I don’t know what I mean. He’s smart, he’s funny. He’s listens when I talk. Have you noticed he doesn’t swear, like, at all? Maybe he’ll say hell or damn but I have yet to hear him drop an f-bomb.”
Sophie shrugged. “I haven’t but I’m not surprised. Then again, I don’t really hear him say a lot when the other guys are around. He just kind of sits and listens and smiles sometimes.”
“The man has a great smile.”
Sophie’s grin popped out again. “You’re smitten.”
Vivi pulled a face. “You’re a dork.”
“Maybe. But I’m right. You should see the look on your face when you talk about him. It’s so cute.”
“Shut up. I’m not cute.”
Sophie just laughed. “You are so cute right now, I think I’m getting a cavity.”
Vivi reached behind her and flicked water from the sink at Sophie, making her laugh even harder.
When she finally stopped laughing, Sophie shook her head. “Aw, come on. It’s cute how you’re so into him. He’s just not your usual type. And,” she held up a hand before Vivi could say anything, “don’t try to deny that because I’m pretty sure even you would admit you have a type.”
Vivi flipped her friend the finger before she turned back to the sink. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh. Yeah, right. So you just think it’s a coincidence that all the guys you dated recently wouldn’t be out of place as Sons of Anarchy extras?”
“Sounds like you have something against bikers.”
“Nope. Not at all. And you know that’s not what I’m talking about. Those guys all totally sucked at relationships. None of them had a healthy relationship with women. They were all totally unavailable.”
“Maybe I just wasn’t looking for anything long-term.”
“So are you now?”
Sighing, Vivi put the pan she’d scrubbed clean in the drying rack. “I don’t know, Soph. Maybe. Maybe I’m just looking for someone to spend time with who isn’t a complete douche.”
“Well, Justin definitely fits in that category. He’s totally not a douche and he’s total boyfriend material.”
“And what if I don’t want a boyfriend? What if I just want to hang with a nice guy for a while?”
“That’s not a bad thing. But maybe you want to tell Justin that’s what you’re looking for. I think he might be the kind of guy who’s looking for a commitment.”
Commitment.
Vivi started to hyperventilate at that word. Since her breakup with Jamie, commitment may as well have been a four-letter word.
She didn’t do commitment. Hell, she barely did dates. Hookups, sure. Dinner, maybe. But nothing that required she commit to spending a certain amount of time with one specific guy.
So, yeah, maybe she had a slight problem.
That didn’t mean she’d become a hermit.
She just didn’t date with a purpose.
By the time she got home that night around half past midnight, she’d convinced herself seeing Justin again was probably a bad idea. She didn’t want to give him false hope.
Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren’t you?
She’d dated a professional athlete before. He hadn’t turned into a dick until she’d known him for months. Had allowed herself to get attached.
She didn’t think Justin was a dick. No, she knew Justin wasn’t a dick. He was exactly what he appeared to be.
A decent guy.
They were a rare breed, as far as she was concerned.
It was close to one a.m. when she finally slid into bed after taking a shower. She grabbed her phone and was surprised to see a message waiting for her from Justin.
Hope you had a good night at work. I figure you’re working tomorrow night too but if you’re not, do you want tickets to the game? Looking forward to Sunday.
Oh my god, the man was too good to be true.
Unfortunately, she did have to work tomorrow, at the Bomb Shelter. She’d been working fewer shifts there recently. Yeah, it meant less money but they’d recently hired a new manager and he was kind of a creep.
The kind whose hand lingered just a little too long on her back when he brushed past her. Or who stared at her boobs when he thought she wasn’t looking.
At least, he was an equal opportunity creep. He treated all the women who worked there the same.
But he was friends with the owners so she either sucked it up or she quit. Yeah, she needed the money but there were other jobs out there.
And could she seriously justify quitting a job just so she could go to a hockey game to see a guy she went on one date with and hadn’t even kissed?
Do it.
She could call in sick. Hell, half the servers at the Shelter called in sick at least once a week and they were still employed. Mainly because the owner, Dale, couldn’t find enough servers to work for him and he paid a little more than industry standard.
Shit. She wanted to go to the game.
She tapped out a reply before she could stop herself.
Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks.
His reply took only seconds.
Great.
Then a pause.
Do you want to get a cup of coffee afterward? Or some food? Just for an hour or so? I have to be up early but I’d like you to keep me company. No problem if you don’t want to. Just wanted to check.
The man was too good to be true. She couldn’t help wondering what was wrong with him.
Damn, you’re jaded.
No, she was a realist. At least, that’s what she’d been telling herself for...well, forever.
Maybe it was time to be a little less cynical.
Sure. Coffee after. Maybe pie. Although you probably need real food.
Wait. Isn’t pie real food? Apple pie doesn’t count as a serving of fruit? My whole life is a lie.
It was corny, yes. It wasn’t even that funny but she heard his voice in her head as she read his text and it made her lungs work a little harder. And left a little hollow in the pit of her stomach.
How the hell did he do that?
Pie. Steak. Whatever. I’m good with whatever you want to eat.
She realized she was holding her breath, waiting for him to answer her. Would he take the bait and respond with sexual innuendo?
You’re great no matter what. See you tomorrow night. Sleep tight.
Well damn. She stared at that text for at least a minute, not knowing how to respond.
She hated thinking that he just couldn’t be this nice. That underneath all that charm and sweet smile was an asshole just waiting to show his true colors.
Night Justin.
She put her phone on the bedside table so she didn’t sit there and wait for him to respond.
But she was pretty sure she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
*****
“Damn, that sucked.”
Justin dragged his sweater over his head and let it fall on the floor of the locker room while he sat with his head bowed.
They’d just lost, five-two, to one of the worst teams in the league.
Yeah, he knew sometimes that’s how it went, but it just sucked when it happened to you.
“Dude, I know it’s a bad game when you’re swearing.” Derek slammed down onto the bench next to Justin to unlace his skates. “We got our asses handed to us tonight.”
“Coach is gonna chew us for sure.” CJ shook his head, sweat dripping onto the floor as he bent forward, holding his side. “Not that we don’t deserve it.”
“Make sure you have the trainer check that out, man.” Derek pointed at CJ, who cringed as he drew his sweater over his head. “We need you on this trip.”
“Coach shoulda benched me in the second.” CJ let out a groan as he bent to unlace his skates. “I fucking sucked.”
“Shut up, dude. I’m pretty sure we all sucked. Hell, even Lad sucked and he never sucks.”
“You are right. I never suck.” Lad walked by on his way to his locker. “However, tonight I was off game.”
“We were all off game, dude.” Derek tossed his skates in his locker. “Don’t beat yourself up.”
Lad frowned at Derek. “Why would I beat myself off?”
Justin huffed out a laugh and several of the other guys burst out laughing despite the frustration and anger.
Lad frowned harder. “What do I say?”
Grinning, Derek stood and wrapped his arm around Lad’s shoulder and shook him until his hair sprayed sweat and made the closest guys bitch.
“Trust me, it’s better if you can find someone to do it for you.”
Lad shook his head. “I do just fine for myself.”
Which made everyone laugh harder.
Justin was pretty sure Lad knew exactly what he was saying. Yeah, sometimes his English wasn’t perfect, but Lad’s comprehension was amazingly good for a nonnative speaker.
“That’s because you cannot find anyone to do it for you.”
Jake Mozik leaned against the end of the lockers, looking like he’d just stepped off the cover of a magazine. Except for the ingrained lines of stress that’d shown up on his face since he’d been on injured reserve the past several months.
“Hey.” Justin nodded at his fellow defenseman and hung behind as the rest of the team filed into the showers. “We could’ve used you tonight.”
Jake nodded. “Yes, you could have. Hopefully, I will be cleared to play in next few weeks. Riding the bench sucks ass.”
Justin couldn’t blame the guy for sounding disgusted. Between the horrible game and his injury, Jake probably felt pretty damn useless.
“How’s therapy?”
Jake’s mouth twisted. “Sucks ass too. But I think I might be finished soon. Doctor says I may have okay to skate next week.”
Now that was good news. “Glad to hear it.”
“Yes, I am as well.” Jake paused and raised an eyebrow at him. “Should you not take shower? You have date tonight, yes?”
Justin’s mouth dropped open before he could catch it. “How do you—” He shook his head, sighing. “No, you know what. Never mind. I don’t wanna know.”
Now Jake grinned. “I have ways. You are dark horse. Did not see you and Vivian as couple but now I think is good.”
“Thanks for your approval.”
“No problem. At least my friends are getting laid.”
“Dude. We had our first date two nights ago.”
Jake just stared at him. “And this means what?”
Justin opened his mouth to explain but shut it just as fast. Most of his teammates would’ve already had sex on their first date but that wasn’t how Justin had been raised. Yeah, it made him a relic. He didn’t care.
Just like he didn’t swear much, he didn’t sleep around. Not that he didn’t want to have sex with Vivi. He really did. He just had ingrained standards.
“This means I’m going to take a shower.”
As he stood, he finally saw Jake smile. He looked kind of rusty at it but the guy hadn’t had much to smile about lately.
“Glad to hear you’ll be back soon.”
“Glad to hear you might have sex soon.”
Rolling his eyes, Justin got up and headed for the showers but not without giving Jake a well-deserved middle finger on his way out.
He actually heard Jake laugh as he left the locker room.
*****
“Well, that pretty much sucked, huh? Sorry ’bout that.”
Vivi smiled at the total sincerity in Justin’s apology as he drove them toward West Reading.
“Not your fault,” she said. “You looked like you were having a good game. Just didn’t go your way.”
“We had a couple of good chances in the third period but we didn’t take advantage of them and—sorry.” He shook his head as he turned into the parking lot of the diner where they’d decided to eat. “I promise not to complain about the game all night.”
“No problem. I’m sure it’s frustrating when you’re playing well but the rest of the team isn’t.”
He huffed out a sigh. “Appreciate the vote of confidence, but I sucked too.”
Since she’d watched the entire game with Sophie and had kept her eyes on Justin every moment he’d been on the ice, she was pretty sure she knew what she was talking about.
“Actually, you didn’t. From what I heard, the ice just didn’t tilt your way tonight.”
Shutting off the ignition, he turned to her with a slight smile. “I thought you didn’t know much about hockey.”
She turned to him with wide eyes and a deliberately vapid expression. “But it’s just like soccer, right? Just on ice. With sticks and pucks. And less players.”
For a few seconds, she thought he didn’t get it. Then his lips curved and his eyes narrowed and he started to laugh.
And she would’ve sworn her heart flipped over. Like, seriously, it did some weird maneuver behind her ribs that should’ve signaled some life-threatening disease.
Instead, it made her nervous as hell.
At least, that’s what she thought that pit in the bottom of her stomach was. Nerves.
Yeah, right.
“You’re funny. I like that.”
Not many people called her funny. Sarcastic, yes. Wicked. Exasperating. Never funny.
“Huh.” He grinned. “Did I finally figure out how to make you blush?”
He sounded amused and a little pleased with himself. And that smile...
She was going to give him this one, if only because he made her want to jump his bones. Which she totally wanted to do tonight.
Except, damn it, he had to be up early to go on a road trip. Gone for three nights.
She wanted to pout. She wanted to lean across the seat and kiss him. But she didn’t want to scare him away. Which was stupid. That was stupid, right? He wouldn’t be scared if she tried to kiss him.
He might be turned off—
“Viv? You ready?”
She waited for a beat, wondering if he’d offer something more private. Like, maybe he’d ask to go back to her house and get naked. Hell, she’d settle for a hot and heavy make-out session with full petting privileges. She so wanted to run her hands over his naked body. If his arm was any indication of the rest of his body, she couldn’t wait to see him naked.
When he didn’t offer to take her back to her place and let her pet him, she smiled and nodded. And sighed after he’d gotten out of the truck to walk around and open her door.
He took her hand to help her out then kept hold as they walked to the diner. Such a simple thing, but he made it into something so much more.
What the hell was it about this man that made her act like she wasn’t a grown-ass woman who could ask for what she wanted?
A few of the booths in the diner were taken but not many, and the waitress settled them into a booth near the back. Far from the other guests. No one would be able to hear them if they kept their voices low.
After the waitress walked away, Justin smiled at her. Neither of them looked at the menu.
“Do you know what you’re getting already?”
Yes and what she wanted didn’t come on the menu. “Yep. Margie makes the best pies in the state as far as I’m concerned. Her crusts are amazing.”
He laughed again, shaking his head and making her swallow hard.
“You probably know the best food in a fifty-mile radius, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “Hazard of the job. The restaurant business is kind of like a family. Everyone knows everyone else. That can be good and bad. If you need a job, there’s always someone you know to ask. But you can’t be a dick and expect to get hired. Well, you can be, but then you better be really damn good at what you do so people overlook your personality.”
“I can’t imagine anyone would have a problem with your personality.”
That made her laugh. “Most people would say you really don’t know me.”
“I guess that’s true. But what I’ve seen so far, I like.”
“You really are the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”
Her turn to make him blush. And he did but he didn’t drop her gaze.
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I just know when I got a good thing going. And this seems to be a good thing.”
Okay, she totally wanted to skip straight to the naked and petting part. She’d give up Margie’s pie completely if it meant she could get her hands on him instead.
“Then let’s get you fed so we can go back to my place and we can figure out just how good we can be together.”
His blush deepened but she had a sense that, this time, it wasn’t embarrassment. He leaned back into the booth, crossing his arms over his chest.
She had a momentary twinge of guilt at how she was ogling his body but no woman in her right mind would blame her.
He might appear awkward off ice, but when he skated, he looked like so much contained male power.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I have to be up early tomorrow morning. And I don’t want to have to watch a clock when I’m with you.”
She couldn’t help herself. “And when you say ‘with you,’ do you mean in the same room or...”
His lips twisted in a ghost of a grin as he leaned forward, putting his arms on the table. Now she could clearly see his beautiful brown eyes and she had to make a conscious effort not to lean forward and run her fingers along that lean jaw.
He shook his head. “You’re dangerous to my dedication to my profession.”
“Oh, I’m all for dedication. It can lead to some amazing...encounters.”
She saw him try to come up with a response but was saved by the return of the waitress. After putting in their orders, they returned to staring at each other.
Vivi couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt with him. That just never happened with a guy on a second date. But with Justin... There were a lot of things about Justin that felt right.
To cover up the sudden anxiety that thought caused, she blinked and broke the connection.
“So. What’s a road trip with a bus full of guys like?”
His smile widened until his eyes practically closed. “Probably pretty much what you’d expect. Loud. Annoying. Mostly fun. Sometimes Derek can’t shut up and we all want to kill him. If Will wants to talk to you about something, he’ll corner you on the bus. He’s the oldest so he’s kind of the team dad. Especially for the defensemen. If we have a problem, he’s the one we go to.”
“You and Will room together, don’t you?”
“Yeah. When he’s around. I’m pretty sure he and Jess are gonna get married so I’ll probably be looking for a new roommate next season. If I’m even here next season.”
Sobering thought. “Do you think they’re going to trade you?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. My contract’s up at the end of the season so I’m trying to prepare myself. I don’t know what they’re going to do.”
“But you’re playing so well. Why would they get rid of you?”
Looking comfortable in a way she didn’t think she’d ever seen him before, he started to talk about the ins and outs of trades and free agency and how coaches used players as chess pieces. She understood some of what he was saying. Mostly, though, she listened to him talk, let his husky voice sink into her skin and make her blood fizz.
He had one of those voices that made her heart flutter. There weren’t that many guys she could say that about. Actually, the only other one had been her ex.
She wasn’t going to hold that against Justin.
“Sorry, you’re probably not interested in hearing about trade deadlines and line matchups.”
“Honestly,” she batted her eyelashes, not bothering to contain her smile, “I’d listen to you recite the lineup all night. You have the most amazing voice.”
She should’ve felt sorry for the speed at which his cheeks flushed. But honestly, she liked that, too.
Luckily, the waitress saved him once again by delivering their drinks.
When she moved away again, Justin shook his head as his lips curved in a wry smile.
And totally ignored what she’d said. “So, ah, do you like watching the game?”
She couldn’t help herself. “I like watching you.”
He shook his head and the flush on his cheeks burned even hotter. When he didn’t do anything except pick up his glass and sip soda, she wondered if she’d pushed him too far.
A split second later, he looked her straight in the eyes. “You can watch me do whatever you want.” He paused. “But you have to return the favor.”
Okay, maybe there was a little bit of a bad boy in there.
Her eyelids rose. “Anything I want?”
He held her gaze even as the color in his cheeks deepened. “I think we could probably work something out.”
Her smile widened. “I like the sound of that.”
“And I like the idea that I get to ask you to do whatever I want.”
Oh, there was definitely a streak of something rough and maybe a little dirty beneath that boy-next-door appearance. And she was going to have one hell of a good time teasing it out of him.
*****
“Thanks again for the ticket. I had a lot of fun.”
“Sorry again that the game sucked.”
She stopped just inside the door to her home, and turned, wondering if he’d follow her inside. He stopped just on the other side of the threshold.
“Can’t win ’em all. Do you want to come in?”
He didn’t respond immediately, his gaze locked with hers. She had no idea what he was thinking but her blood fizzed in her veins.
“No, I better not.”
Her lips curved. She liked the sound of that. “Afraid you might not leave?”
Shaking his head, he put one hand on the frame above her, making him seem even taller. “You don’t scare me.”
“Good to know, although that wasn’t really the question I asked.”
“Yeah, I know. And I’m not sure I want to answer that question. Yet.”
She fought back a grin. “Do you think you might have an answer Sunday?”
Teasing him had become her favorite pastime, she realized. She couldn’t help herself. His blushes had become catnip for her. She didn’t want to embarrass him, and she didn’t think he was embarrassed. But she was so absolutely infatuated by him, she couldn’t help herself.
She’d become addicted to his smiles. He didn’t do it often and, when she got one, it was like she’d won a game she hadn’t realized she was playing.
And this was no game.
“I might. I might have some questions of my own for you to answer.”
She didn’t want him to go yet so she grabbed his hand and tugged. It was close to midnight and she knew he had to get up early tomorrow, but she didn’t want him to go yet.
Holding her breath, she finally released it when he took a step forward.
“I really should go.”
“But I’m not done with you yet.”
He stepped inside but stopped just inside the door. She’d take that, only because she knew they weren’t going to be taking this any further tonight. But she was determined to get a real kiss from him tonight.
Even if she had to climb him like a tree to get it. She had a feeling he knew exactly what he was doing to her.
“What do you want to do with me?”
The gleam in his eyes made her heart pound faster.
“I have a few ideas.”
He shook his head. “And I absolutely want to hear them. But I have to be up in seven hours. And if I stay any longer, Will’s gonna be dragging my ass out of bed. And I don’t want to rush my time with you.”
“You act all sweet and shy off the ice, but that’s not who you really are, is it?”
His gaze narrowed and she couldn’t tell if he was smiling or not. “What makes you think that?”
“Because of your smile.”
She could see him think that over before he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. The intensity in his eyes made her want to lick him. That feeling hadn’t happened in quite a while, and it took her a little bit by surprise.
She wasn’t surprised that he could make her feel this way. She’d realized he was special. No, what surprised her was that she was enjoying it.
She hadn’t had this feeling in a while. She’d told herself she was okay with it. And then she’d looked into Justin’s eyes one night and fallen for the absolute unlikeliest guy she could find.
“What about my smile?”
He had stopped inches away from her and she had to lean her head back to look at him. She really liked how tall he was. Not overly muscled, like football players tended to be.
But he wasn’t scrawny either. He was longer and lean, but he had broad shoulders and a broad chest, and she would bet her last bag of chocolate-covered pretzels that he had a six-pack.
Now she wanted to lick his six-pack.
“Your smile is a little wicked.”
That smile widened. “You think I’m wicked? My friends don’t think I’m wicked.”
“I’m pretty sure you don’t smile like that at your friends.”
“And how am I smiling at you?”
Like you might actually want to see me naked.
It was on the tip of her tongue but she bit it back. An unusual thing for her to do. She wasn’t really known for her restraint. But there was something about this man that made her...different. Made her want to be the kind of girl a guy like him would want.
Her inner feminist began to rant, but she shut her down because Justin was staring at her like he wanted to kiss her.
Please, please, let him kiss her.
Fuck it.
Reaching up, she pulled him down to close the last few inches between them and sealed her mouth over his.
She had a split second to think, “Shit, I should’ve let him do this on his terms.”
But then he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her back.
She’s been dying to do this all night and now that she had him...
She wanted to devour him. Wanted to slide her tongue into his mouth and taste him, but he seemed to be content with just this chaste press of their lips together. So instead of rushing, she forced herself to take it slow. She kept her tongue to herself and let herself sink into the feel of his lips against hers.
Soft. Decadently soft. His lips lulled her into a state of pure sensation. Where the only thing that made any sense was the sense of being surrounded by him.
She took another step, closing the last bit of space between them...and now she knew she’d been right about those six-pack abs.
This close to him, she felt how solid he was. A wall of muscle. She wanted to run her hands all over him but managed to restrain herself. Justin was still so much of an unknown.
One thing she did know about him: He was irresistible. Like chocolate, she’d had a taste and now couldn’t stop herself from wanting more.
She didn’t know how long they stood there, letting her lips learn the feel of his. Tilting her head to the side, she changed the angle...and so did he.
Her breath caught and held as he took more control. His fingers felt cool against her cheeks but still managed to make heat flare even hotter in her gut. She shoved it down, didn’t want it to overwhelm her. Didn’t want to scare him off.
Not that he seemed scared at the moment.
No, he seemed to be warming up. His fingers tightened, tilting her head just a little farther to the right so his lips could cover hers more completely.
Wow. The man knew how to kiss and he hadn’t even opened his mouth yet.
She was practically panting now, her lungs working harder to keep up with the lack of oxygen. Her hands had dropped to his shoulders and she realized she gripped him so tight, her fingers actually ached. Flexing them, she put them flat on his shoulders...then let them slip down.
Beneath his coat, she felt the rapid rise of his chest, swore she could feel the pounding of his heart. Her own heart seemed to match the pace of his. Fingers curling into the lapels of his jacket, she held on tight while his lips moved over hers, coaxing her into exchanging sweet, fast kisses that revved her desire while satisfying her need to taste him.
And just when she thought he might finally deepen the kiss—
He pulled away.
The little sound she made deep in her throat would’ve been embarrassing if she hadn’t cared more about his retreat.
She barely restrained herself from climbing him like a tree and forcing him to kiss her again. So she stood there trying to get her breathing to return to normal.
Not happening.
His mouth curved into a smile that made her eyes widen at the sexual intent in it. Until now, she’d thought Justin was a little inexperienced, maybe a little shy.
Now she knew she’d underestimated the man.
“Thanks for putting up with me and my crappy mood tonight. I’ll see you Sunday night, Viv.”
She nodded and had to swallow before she could speak.
“Sunday.”
His smile widened before he turned and walked back to his truck.
She didn’t close the door until he got inand drove away. And when she turned around and saw her sister leaning against the wall, she actually let out a little yelp because she hadn’t seen or heard her.
“Damn it, Aly. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
Grinning like a loon, her sister shook her head. “Nah, who would I find to split the utilities with?”
Viv rolled her eyes then dedicated herself to taking off her jacket and hanging it in the closet. Normally, she’d just throw it over the chair by the door but she needed a little time to catch her breath so she couldn’t embarrass herself.
Aly would never let her live down the fact that Vivi had been taken off guard by a man.
By Justin.
“So how was the game?” Aly’s question let her know she wasn’t really interested in the game.
“Not great.” She closed the closet door and headed for the stairs, her sister’s grin taunting her with every step. “They lost.”
“I guess you and Justin went for a drink after the game.”
“Actually, we didn’t.” She didn’t stop at the bottom of the step where Aly was, just kept going. “We went for pie.”
“Is that what they’re calling making out these days? Pie?”
Vivi didn’t stop until she hit the top of the stairs. Then she turned to look down. But her sister wasn’t about to be intimidated into giving up.
“And was it cherry pie?”
Rolling her eyes, Vivi sighed. “You’re not gonna give up, are you?”
“Nope.” Aly’s shit-eating grin appeared. “But I will take pity on you because I’ve got to be up for work. I just happened to get up to go to the bathroom and heard the door and then I didn’t hear it close so I came to investigate.”
“Sure you did. You’re just nosy.”
Aly shrugged. “Maybe a little. So?”
“So what?”
Aly gave an amused little huff. “So I’m kinda surprised he left.”
And Vivi was disappointed. And frustrated. But she wasn’t about to admit that to her sister. She’d never hear the end of it.
“They leave on a road trip tomorrow morning.”
“Ah. Well, that makes more sense then.”
She tried not to take the bait but Vivi couldn’t help herself. Aly had had all her life to learn how to pull Vivi’s strings.
She turned and gave her sister the look. The death glare. Aly just smiled.
“It’s not like I sleep with every guy I date.”
That made her sister’s eyes narrow in a split second.
“Hey, you know that’s not what I meant.” Then her expression lightened. “But I find it interesting that you’re trying to deflect.”
Vivi wanted to throw up her hands and scream in frustration...and knew that’s exactly what her sister was going for.
“This is payback, isn’t it?” Vivi asked. “For all the times I’ve tormented you.”
“Can’t help if I’m enjoying watching you flounder a little.”
“I’m not floundering.”
“You don’t know what to do with him, do you? He’s not like any other guy you’ve dated. And I mean that in a good way.”
Vivi literally had to bite her tongue not to take issue with that. Instead, she took a deep breath.
“You’re right. He’s not.”
“Of course, I’m right. So what are you going to do with him?”
That was an easy question to answer. “I’m going to jump his bones. I just need to convince him it’s what he wants to do.”
“I have a feeling you’re gonna need to go a lot slower than you normally do.”
“I already figured that out.”
Aly’s grin turned a little wicked. “Frustration isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just makes the payoff at the end that much better.”
“And what if I’m more of an instant gratification girl?”
“Old dog. New tricks.”
“Did you just call me a dog?”
“No, but I will call you a bitch if you keep yanking my chain tonight. I’m tired and I have to be up for work at six-thirty.”
“Then why are you standing here talking to me?”
“Because I know you, Viv. He’s a nice guy. Don’t talk yourself out of spending time with him. I think he’s just what you need.”