When his lips twitched, I knew I had won – even if he hadn't said so.
Still, I continued to wait with high hopes and a racing heart along with more than a little curiosity. Whatwouldhe say?
Finally, he spoke. "You're killing me. You know that, right?"
I fought a sudden urge to giggle. "Well…at least you'd go out happy." I felt nearly dizzy with my own daring. Normally, I'd overthink this to death. But I had this crazy idea that if I didn't grab onto this now, whatever it was, it would slip away, leaving me nothing but regret.
For months, I'd been working my tail off, keeping my shoulder to the grindstone, doing everything a good girl should. And what had it gotten me?
Nothing much.
Not even the shop I'd been killing myself for.
The way it looked, it wouldn't be mine for much longer.
But I refused to think about that now. The loan wasn't due for two whole months. But Griff? He was right here, right now, standing so close, I could see the surprising warmth in his steely blue eyes and track the slow, steady rise of his chest with every breath.
Helpfully, I added, "I've got camping gear in the back."
His breath hitched – just a tiny catch – but I heard it loud and clear. I felt it, too, as I savored the promise of what it meant – or rather, what Ihopedit meant.
Emboldened, I kept on going. "And my sleeping bag? It'sreallyfluffy. And big enough for two."
The heat in his eyes turned molten, but he still didn't move. In a near whisper, he said, "Is that so?"
I drank in the sight of him. "Totally. And the back room? It has no windows at all."
He knew this, obviously, considering that the back room was his normal domain. But hey, a reminder never hurt, especially now, with the windows out front rattling something fierce.
Absently, I added, "So, it's not like we'd be putting on a show."
His lips curved with a slow, knowing smile. "Yeah?"
I glanced toward the connecting door. "I'm serious."
"Me, too." And with that, he finally moved forward, standing so close I could feel the heat of his body along with the energy crackling between us.
His hand reached up and cupped my cheek like he was still waiting for me to back out.
I didn't.
Instead, I leaned into him as my pulse jumped and I nearly forgot to breathe.
His voice was low and hoarse. "Maisie."
I could hardly get out the word. "Yeah?"
"Tell me to stop."
I looked up. "I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want you to."
That was all the permission he needed.
He kissed me.
