Page 78 of Renegade Rift
Lines crease her forehead, and she looks up through her lashes with an accusatory glare. “Because you don’t like me working topless.”
“Because—” I chuckle and shake my head. “Nope, I’m not even going to try and pretend it’s not because I don’t want other men looking at you naked.” I bring one of my hands up to her chin and lift until her gaze meet’s mine. “But getting the job was all you. Soph refused to tell me any of the details before she met you because she wanted to see if you were a good fit without me interfering.”
Juliet eyes me skeptically and though she bats my hand away, she must decide to believe me because her lips tip into an excited grin. “She wants me to help her design a menu for a new restaurant that will be exclusively gluten free. The idea is to make it accessible to everyone, but also make sure that it’s healthy and elevated. She wants it to be the kind of place people can walk in or call ahead after a long day, or even on their lunch break and will have access to something delicious that they can eat without having to worry if there is any sort of cross contamination or ingredients they can’t consume.”
Her entire body vibrates, and I decide then and there everything up until this point has been worth it to see her excited about her future.
“Do you know how many times I’ve wished something existed like this in the city?” There’s an almost wistful lilt to her voice.
“You might have mentioned it once or twice.” Or literally every single time she would come over to help me organize after a cleaning and was too exhausted to cook, but also didn’t want to let me in the kitchen for fear I’d burn whatever I tried to make. “It’s why you’re the perfect person to help make it a reality.”
“I’m nervous as all hell.” She admits. “It’s been so long since I’ve made a menu from scratch, let alone worked in a professional kitchen.”
“If it’s anything like the food you’ve made me over the last few weeks, the citizens of New York are in good hands.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so.”
Juliet’s gaze locks on mine and her lips part, taking me right back to where I was before I caused a distraction.
Her eyes track down to my lips and back, and I swear her eyes are silently asking for permission or maybe wishing for me to make the first move.
But I don’t.
If she wants to take this any further physically, she’ll need to take that step.
I suck my lip between my teeth and slowly let it roll out. “I think we should go home and celebrate with that pint of chocolate ice cream I know you have in the fridge.”
Her brows furrow. “Is thatreallywhat you want to do?”
She’s pushing me. Seeing if I’ll break. And while I’m firm in my resolve to let her take the lead, I’m not above playing dirty.
“We both know it’s not. But if we keep standing here like this, so fucking close that I can feel the heat of your pussy on my cock, I’m not going to be able to stop myself from kissing you and, tell me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you’re ready to cross that line.”
Juliet’s body tenses, and her eyes flutter closed. She exhales and I get the distinct impression she’s warring against her own curiosities and insecurities.
Her eyes remain closed when she finally speaks, bolstering her bravery. “If I wasn’t me, and you were on this date, what would happen next?”
“That’s a dangerous game to play.”
“Humor me.”
“Nothing would change. I don’t want to kiss a woman that’s not you.” She sucks in a sharp breath, and I lean in until there isn’t an inch of space between us. As a reward for her courage, I whisper so only she can hear me, “But in this magical world you’ve concocted, if this was our first date, I’d press my lips to yours. Softly at first. Then I’d suck that pouty lower lip of yours between mine and see if you taste the way your lip gloss smells. I bet it’s heavenly—sweet—just like you.I’d memorize every sensation, just in case I never got another chance to feel your lips on mine. Then, when I’d had my fill, I’d sweep you up in my arms, and take you home. Only letting you leave them while we’re in the cab, and that’s purely because your safety is important to me. We’d get back to the apartment. I’d walk you to your room, and give you one more kiss to remember me by. That one would be slow. Sensual. Leave us both breathless and needing more.”
“Ford.” She breathes my name like it’s a prayer. And fuck, some day I hope I get to be the one to answer it. But for now, because I truly am a selfish bastard, I can’t help but give her one parting image of what could be.
“Do you want to know what would happen after that, my dear sweet Juliet?”
Her head gives a shallow dip. “Tell me.”
“I’d open your door and say good night.”
Air whooshes from her lungs, and she pulls back, eyes wide open. “That’s it?”
“Oh no, love.” My lips hitch into a mischievous smile, desperate for her to see the hold she has on me. “Because you see, once I’ve said goodnight and made sure you were safe, I’d head to my room, strip naked and head for the shower. Only instead of washing away the day, I’d take my time. Savor it. I’d take my cock in my hand and ever so slowly pleasure myself to the thought of you. I’d drive myself crazy as I recall every detail—your touch, the sweet smell of strawberries that will forever drive me mad, the way your eyes sparkle when you’re happy and your lips part when you’re lost in thought. And don’t get me started on this dress. You are a fucking vision in it. Honestly, I’ll have to fight off the urge to come immediately just thinking of this damn dress. But I will. And only when I’ve replayed every moment of the night will I finally let myself explode with your name on my lips.”
“You would?” Juliet’s chest heaves and she swallows hard, shifting her weight between my legs like she’s searching for just an ounce of friction.
