Vince
Sydney’s a firecracker.That’s one thing I’m certain of. But the flame that runs through her burns hot in my soul. I’d only meant to be playful, but she turned my innocent kiss into an inferno in a hot minute.
Thank God, I’m used to listening for Julia, or that poor family would’ve gotten their eyes full. As my hands roamed Sydney’s body under her bulky sweatshirt, all I wanted was more. Her soft skin drives me wild, and the way she knows what she wants… well, I don’t think any woman has turned me on more.
Thankfully, we were finished eating for the most part because the family with four kids had the same idea for a picnic. Not that I mind them being here. I tend to lose my mind around Sydney and thankfully, they brought me back to reality.
I discreetly adjust myself as Sydney focuses on the kids now picking up rocks to skip by the water. Julia would love it here, but for some reason, I’ve kept this place to myself. I’m not even sure why I brought Sydney other than the fact I wanted to take her to a place that had meaning to me. Our first official date was pretty epic, and I wanted something that could top it—and let’s face it, I wanted to be alone with her.
As we watch the family from afar, Sydney picks up her forgotten sandwich and finishes it. I let her eat in silence as I contemplate just what it means to share my sacred spot with her.
When she’s finished, I ask, “Would you like anything else to eat?”
She takes a drink of the soda I brought and re-screws the cap.
“Not really.” She shrugs, then her eyes light up with a new thought. “I do believe you mentioned chocolate…”
Digging into my bag, I can’t help but grin. She reminds me of Julia and dessert. Syd leans forward, reaching out her hands eagerly in my direction.
“Are you sure my hands are safe?” I raise an eyebrow as I hold the bag of truffles just out of reach.
Her beautiful green eyes dance mischievously, and her sass shines through. “Only if youdon’thold out on me. You should know better than to come between a girl and her chocolate, Vince.”
“Oh, trust me… I know…” I draw out as I pull out a piece of candy from the bag to hand her.
“Good. Now that we’ve got that straight, we can stay friends.”
“So, now I’ve been kicked to the friend zone.” I shake my head, feigning being butt hurt. “Wow… Here’s the bag… have all you want.”
Shaking her head, she grabs the bag faster than I could finish my thought. “Oh, Vince… I think it’s safe to say, the last thing I would ever want from you… is to just be your friend.”
Doing my best to school my features, I state, “So, you just want me for my body… I see…”
This earns me a playful smack against my arm. “You’re body’s nice, Vince. But I’m pretty much of a whole package kind of girl.” Then her face morphs from playful to fear. “Wait… that came out wrong.”
Shaking my head to calm her fears, I laugh. “I think I get it, Syd. No worries.”
Practically under her breath, I barely hear, “Ohmigod, please don’t think I only came to school for my MRS. degree. I only meant… that I think of you as both a friend and more. Of course… I like your body… I mean, look at you… but please don’t think that’sallI want you for…” By the end, she’s buried her face in her hands.
She’s freaking adorable.
“Syd…”
She refuses to look me in the eyes.
This just won’t do.
“Sydney,” I say more forcefully to get her attention. When she doesn’t move her hands, I reach over to give them a gentle tug.
When her green eyes finally meet mine, I feel it deep in my soul. Her vulnerability is there. God, she has nothing to fear from me. “Syd… I was joking. I didn’t mean to get you so riled up. I think we can both agree that friendship is a must—to move forward. But that’s clearly not all either of us want. I certainly don’t kiss people who arejust my friendsthe way I kissed you. Do you?”
Her eyes flit to the blanket below her. Taking my forefinger, I place it under her chin to encourage her continued eye contact. When she finally does meet mine, I’m met with the most beautiful eye roll of my life as she shakes her head in denial. “No… I don’t kiss just anyone like that.”
“Good. Now that we’ve got that settled. Let’s get out of here, so I can find a place to kiss you like that again.”
A beautiful blush creeps up her neck and thankfully, her apprehension disappears in an instant. “I think that can be arranged.”
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