Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
If I’m going to do this, then I’m going to do it right this time. Audience or no.
I angle my head and press a gentle kiss against his lips. When he doesn’t step back or stop me, I do it again. Our warm breaths mingle and, opening my mouth a little, I bring the tip of my tongue into play.
He doesn’t need much encouragement. Bless the man. His hands wander freely, tracing the shape of me. From the curve of my hips to the line of my spine and column of my neck. The stroke of his tongue against mine is pure perfection. He tastes of mint toothpaste and coffee. And he isn’t afraid to use his teeth, biting lightly at my bottom lip.
My fingers tangle in his hair, holding him tight, just in case he tries to get away. Not that he’s showing any signs of wanting to run. Just the opposite. One hand sits directly above my ass, holding me against the hard lines of his body. While the other does the same thing, sitting between my shoulder blades. My head starts to spin and forget having to breathe. Someone should cancel all my life plans. Because I could happily do this forever and ever.
Shanti loudly clearing her throat brings me back to earth. No idea how long that’s been going on for. I break the kiss and come up for air. It takes me a moment to catch my breath.
Meanwhile, Connor stands dazed and confused with his hair mussed. It looks good on him. His pupils are dilated, and his lips are glossy, and the way he’s watching me…it’s like he’s seeing me for the first time. Strange, but true. He couldn’t seem more surprised if I slapped him with a wet fish. Nice to know I am not the only one affected. I knew we had chemistry. But this is wild.
“Now that’s what I was talking about,” says Harold, all enthused.
The barista lets loose a cheer.
I am not blushing. The room is just hot. There might be an actual fire happening in my panties. It honestly wouldn’t surprise me.
Shanti meanwhile is still trying to attract our attention and direct it toward the doorway where…oh fuck my life. Ava and Denise are standing, watching our shenanigans.
His mother already disliked me. Safe to say that won’t be changing anytime soon. Her mouth is hanging open like she’s learned the fine art of unhinging her jaw. Ava wears a bitter little line between her brows. When she notices the expression on her companion’s face, however, her gaze turns vaguely guilty. Which is interesting.
“C’mon,” says Connor, with a hand to my lower back.
We make our way through the maze of tables. Odds are this is going to suck. I straighten my spine and stand tall beside my fake boyfriend. As always, a few people are pretending not to listen, though most don’t bother to hide their interest.
Ava is holding on to the strap of her purse like it’s a lifeline. But she keeps her mouth shut for once. Seemed likely she chose the café thanks to her friend’s helpful texting. Now that she’s here, perhaps she’s decided she’s had her fill. I don’t blame her.
“Mom,” says Connor, taking hold of my hand.
“Connor.” Denise presses her palm to her chest. “What on earth?”
“It’s my fault, Dee.” Harold joins our party. “I encouraged the kids to kiss.”
Denise shoots him a look so dirty there’s no chance it will come out in the wash.
“We’re adults, Harold,” says Connor. “We make our own choices.”
“Then by all means, explain to me why you would choose to do that,” says Denise in a high voice. More of this and she might hyperventilate.
I open my mouth to defend him, but he gives my hand a squeeze.
“No,” he says in a calm voice. “We didn’t do anything wrong, Mom. You just don’t like who I am doing it with. But that’s your problem. Not mine.”
His mother gasps. A heroine in a Gothic romance standing on the precipice of a cliff shrouded in mist couldn’t do better. Such drama.
“She makes him happy.” Harold sighs. “When was the last time that happened?”
“Why don’t you take a seat, Denise?” Ava edges toward the counter. “I’ll get us some menus.”
“What? No,” says Denise. “You wanted to talk to him, honey. Now’s your chance. And you need to listen to what she has to say, Connor.”
But nope. Her son has had more than enough. He shakes his head and steers me around the two women toward the door.
Just when Denise seems set to lose her shit, Ava says, “This isn’t right. Please, Denise. Look at what’s happening. He can’t wait to get away from us, and I don’t blame him.”
Denise is stunned.
Behind me, Connor stops in surprise. His hand slips from mine and his face is a cool, careful blank. I doubt he knows what to think. I know I’m confused by this turn of events. I don’t know her well enough to trust that she’s being sincere, but it’s entirely possible. It’s also possible that this is part of a sinister new plan, so I’m not letting my guard down either.