She cleared her throat and set down her napkin. “Excuse me a moment.”
Claire scowled in a feisty jealous look.
Haley smiled. “I’ll be five minutes.” Maybe ten.
Strolling past the bar, she breezed right past the bathroom, only to find the hall empty. An arm reached from the door to the alley and yanked her outside.
Thrill rushed through her veins as she found herself enveloped in Finn’s arms. Before she could catch her breath, he pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers, savoring the stolen moment. Hand cradling her jaw, he pulled back just enough to gage her reaction.
Chocolate eyes laced with amusement and the same exhilaration that rocketed through her, he grinned. “Sorry if I startled you. Was going to be a rough enough night, thinking about you on the other end of the phone this afternoon, then having you walk in my door and not being able to talk, well, I couldn’t resist.” He nipped a quick kiss again.
“Thanks for the save earlier.”
“Yeah, what the hell was that? Was your mother giving you blowjob tips?”
Haley nodded sadly, her cheek firmly parked in her teeth. “Apparently, if I want to keep a man around, I have to satisfy him in bed. Just asked twice-divorced Patricia, she is quite the expert.”
“I hope your stepdad knows what a lucky guy he is.” He rolled his eyes. “I really dislike your mother.”
“It’s mutual.” She nodded grimly.
“Can I go let her know you’re a hell of a kisser, and I have no doubt you’ll blow my mind when we get to the rest of the good stuff?”
“Please no. It would only add more fuel.”
“True. She’s never really liked me.”
“She doesn’t like anyone.”
“Fair point. Anyway, I really didn’t steal you away to talk about your mother.”
Trailing her hands along his abdomen, she looked up, the corner of her mouth quirking up. “What did you steal me away for?”
He nipped another kiss. “I was thinking of making some excuse, like nailing down plans for tomorrow, but I really just wanted to get my hands on you.”
Rising to her tiptoes, she gripped the back of his neck and swept her tongue over his. Groaning, he spread his hand over the small of her back and held on, advancing the kiss deeper until she forgot where they were, spinning somewhere on a fluffy white cloud.
Pulling away, his pupils dilated until he blinked back to reality, he stepped toward the door. “We should get back.”
Still blissfully shellshocked, she nodded.
He eased the door open and peeked inside. Coast clear, he beckoned her in first. She made a quick bathroom stop, then rejoined her family.
Patricia was returning the ticket to the server and smiled when she saw Haley approaching. “You know, there’s a glow about you today. Are you sure you’re not pregnant?”
“What? Mother. No.” There was little doubt Patricia didn’t know her at all, but her attempts to pay attention were painful.
She was tempted to say,No, I’m glowing because the sexy bartender was kissing me. And enjoying it. Because I know what I’m about in that area. Don’t need any tips. A bad marriage riddled with a terrible sex life does not mean a person isn’t good in bed; it’s all about the right partner.
She was half tempted to call her old friends and ask if they found Nate as disappointing as she did, or if he managed to be an attentive lover when he was breaking the rules.
9
Rushing
Afterfailingtotakeit easy on his daily run, Finn hobbled into the shower. Zoe was already leaving for work, so he snickered and cranked up the hot water. Within minutes, a fist pounded on the bathroom door. “Don’t you have to work tonight?” His dad’s voice thundered through the thin wooden door.
Groaning, he shut off the faucet and stepped out. “No. I worked it out with Pete, remember?”
