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“It’s beautiful out here.” Channing looked over the balcony. “Makes me appreciate Thompsonville more.”
Anderson inched beside her, putting his arm around her waist.
He waited for her to object but she didn’t.
“You’re a fascinating woman. There’s more in store for you than this town.”
She tightened within his touch.
“You still want to experience the outside world?” He sniffed her hair. “Ever thought of Boston?”
She watched him from over her shoulder. “What?”
“Why not?” He looked over the balcony at car lights that resembled ants. “There are endless opportunities there. You can go to college like you wanted.”
“Unlike you I don’t live in a dream world, Anderson.”
“Nothing wrong with dreaming.” He caressed her narrow shoulders. “You should have a life worthy of what you can offer. It would be better for you and Presley.”
“Are you suggesting I move to Boston?” She leaned over the railing. “I’m a single mother who has to think of what’s best for my daughter.”
“Mm.” He pressed his lips together. “Now Presley’s an excuse for why you can’t live your life?”
“How dare you?”
“If you didn’t have children, there would be another reason you can’t leave.”
“My daughter is in a coma.”
“I’m not saying leave tonight, Channing.” He raised his voice. “I’m saying pursue something else or stop sulking about your life.”
He expected her to chop his head off, but she chuckled instead.
“You’re lucky I like your ass.”
“You're worthy of a better life.” He touched her cheek. “When will you realize it?”
Her eyes shifted. “You want to kiss me, kiss me.”
“Thanks for the suggestion.” He grinned, cupping her body in his arms. “But, I would’ve done it, anyway.” Just as he brought his mouth to hers, he stopped for a moment, reassuring himself this would happen.
Channing closed her eyes and puckered her shiny, luscious lips, anticipation spilling from her.
Anderson gave her a soft peck but it wasn’t enough. He went in again, kissing her open-mouthed, slow and rough.
“Mm.” Channing pressed her hands to his back, pushing him deeper into her mouth, forcing him to savor the flavor of champagne on her tongue.
Forget being a gentleman. He was taking what he wanted because this might be the only time he had the chance.
She stopped the kiss, his body aching as if he needed a fix only she could provide.
“Whoa.” She had that dazed look on her face women did when a guy turned out to be a better kisser than they thought. “Goodness. What came over me?”
“You got swept up.” He held her face in his palms. “Go with it, Channing.” He kissed her again.
She fondled him, awakening the deep ache in his dick. “Anderson, I can’t believe this.”
His scrotum strangled within its tightening skin.
“I need to concentrate on Presley.” She touched his lips. “I haven’t even dated in over a year.”
“We can take it slow.” He kissed her. “I love how you make me feel. Never thought I’d meet a woman so special again.”
She smiled, stroking his arms.
“No pressure, okay? Let’s see what happens.” He gave her another peck, parting his lips for another full-blown kiss.”
“Justice for Presley! What? Justice for Presley! Say it again! Justice for Presley!”
“What the?” Anderson looked over the balcony. “Oh no.”
Khadija and a large crowd of people, marched in front of the hotel.
“This is a mess.” Channing covered her mouth. “Someone's gonna get hurt.”
“Leave!” Klein jumped in front of the protesters, waving his hands. “Leave or we’ll call the police!”
“Fuck the police!” a white marcher with a blue bandana waved his sign.
“Tell the mayor to get his sorry ass out here and explain why he let down his people,” Khadija yelled. “Until then we ain’t going nowhere. Justice for Presley!”
Anderson snatched Channing’s hand and they left the balcony.