She doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t retreat.
Hell no—this woman leans in.
“You can glare holes through every guy in this bar, but I don’t come with a claim tag, Taylor.”
God, I love it when she says my name like it’s a challenge she already plans to win.
“No,” I say, dipping my head until my lips ghost just below her ear, my breath hot against her skin. “You don’t come with a claim tag, Darlin’… but that just means I get to leave my mark the old-fashioned way.”
That one lands.
She double blinks—but I catch it. That split-second where her pulse kicks up and her body betrays her. Still, she recovers fast.
“So what’s your plan?” she asks, coy but defiant. “Smolder at me until I spontaneously combust?”
I grin. “Tempting.”
Then I lean in, let the music curl around us like smoke. My lips hover a breath from her neck, my voice dropping into gravel. “But no, darlin’. I’d rather press you up against that wall and feel you combust around me. If I ever get between these thighs… I ain’t leaving till you’re sayin’ my name like it’s the only word you remember and I promise you…”
I drag my fingertips down the curve of her spine, real slow, watching goosebumps chase the trail I leave behind.
“I’ll be stayin’ the night. And breakfast?” I dip lower, my mouth just grazing her ear. “Ain’t gonna be the only thing I serve, darlin’.”
She goes still.
One breath—shaky, slow—and her chest brushes mine. It’s the smallest contact, but I feel it everywhere.
Her pupils are blown wide, her lips parted like shewantsto sass me... but nothing comes.
And it’s glorious. This,thislook on her face will stay in my memory for the rest of my days.
I ease back just enough to meet her eyes, cocky smile in place. “Speechless?”
I let the word hang between us. “Now that’s a damn first.”
She recovers fast—tilts her chin and narrows her eyes.
“You’re a bit cocky aren’t you?”
“Nah, I’m just right.” I counter.
“You’re infuriating.” She smirks
“You’re turned on.” I smirk back.
She scowls. “Ha! You wish.”
I step in again, so close my breath dances across her skin. “I don’t have to wish, Princess,” I murmur, voice dropping into something filthy and raw. “I can feel it.” I trace my finger down her collarbone. The way you’re clenching your fists to keep from touching me. The way your breath stutters. The way your thighs just...” My eyes draw down her body. “squeezed together.”
She swallows hard—tries to speak.
I beat her to it.
“Next time you wearthatlook,” I say, voice barely a whisper, “don’t expect me to walk away.”
And then Idowalk away.
Because watching her burn behind me?
