Before I can stammer out an explanation, Thor's mouth crashes down on mine again, his kiss even more possessive with an audience. His tongue sweeps past my lips, claiming me thoroughly as his hand slides to cup the back of my neck. The world tilts on its axis as he devours me, making it crystal clear to Minny exactly what we've been doing.
When he finally releases me, I'm breathless and dizzy, clinging to his shirt just to stay upright.
“Lord have mercy,” Minny coos, fanning herself dramatically. “No wonder you didn't come back last night.”
Thor's satisfied smirk should irritate me, but instead, it sends another wave of heat flooding through my body. “Sorry about that,” he says, not sounding sorry at all. “I needed to make sure Charlotte got back safely.”
“Oh, is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Minny quips, leaning against the doorframe with a knowing grin. “Are you coming in, or are you two going to continue giving the hotel guests a show?”
I glance around, mortified to realize we've been practically devouring each other in plain view. An elderly couple shuffles past, the woman tutting disapprovingly while her husband gives Thor a subtle thumbs-up.
“I should go,” Thor says, though his hand remains, “I need to take care of a few things. Dinner? You’re invited too, of course, Minny.”
“Thanks for the invite, but I'm actually meeting some colleagues for drinks tonight,” Minny says with a diplomatic smile. “Conference networking and all that boring stuff.”
I shoot her a grateful look, knowing full well she's giving us privacy on purpose.
“Seven o'clock then? I'll pick you up.”
“Perfect,” I reply, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at the thought of seeing him again tonight.
Thor swoops down, capturing my lips in a kiss that makes my toes curl inside my shoes. His tongue traces the seam of my mouth, demanding entrance that I willingly grant. His hand slides up to cradle my face, thumb brushing my cheek with unexpected tenderness that contrasts with the hungry possession of his kiss. When he finally pulls away, I'm breathless and dizzy.
“That should hold you until tonight,” he murmurs.
Before I can respond, Minny's hand clamps around my wrist and yanks me inside our room. The door slams behind us as she practically drags me toward the sitting area.
“Holy shit, Charlie! Spill everything right now!” I barely take off my purse, placing it on the dresser, before she pushes me onto the couch and stands over me, hands on her hips. “And I mean everything. Don't you dare leave out a single dirty detail. I have been married far too long, and I need this, Charlie.”
“I—”
“Nope. Don't even think about being coy.” She flops down beside me, tucking her legs beneath her. “That man just kissed you like he owns you, and judging by the way you melted, I'm guessing he earned that right. So, start talking.”
My face burns hot enough to set off the smoke detectors. “We...connected.”
“Connected? That’s all you're going to give me.”
Minny gives me a look that could melt steel. “Charlotte Elizabeth Myers, I've known you for fifteen years. I can tell when you're holding back. That man just made you forget how tobreathe with a single kiss, and you're giving me 'we connected'? I want details. Real details.”
I sink deeper into the couch cushions, my face burning. “Fine. We...we spent the night together.”
“I knew that already. What happened?”
“It was...” I search for words that won't make me spontaneously combust. “It was incredible, Min. He made me feel things I didn't even know were possible.”
Minny's expression softens, her teasing replaced by genuine concern. “Good things? Because after what that bastard Terrance put you through?—”
“Good things,” I interrupt. “Amazing things. He was so gentle, so careful with me. He made me feel like I was precious instead of...” I trail off, unable to finish.
“Instead of worthless,” she completes softly, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “Oh, honey. I'm so happy for you.”
“I didn't know it could be like that. I thought what I had with Terrance was normal, that I was broken somehow. But Thor...he made me feel beautiful. Desired. Like I mattered.”
“You do matter,” Minny says fiercely. “You always have.”
I duck my head. “I know. It's just...with him, I believe it.”
Minny studies me for a long moment, her expression shifting from concern to something more calculating, “You're falling for him, aren't you?”
