Chapter 12 Dave
CHAPTER TWELVE
DAVE
Her words practically float on an exhale.
Holy hell. Did I really hear that right?
Looking down at her stunning porcelain skin and blush-stained cheeks, I nearly melt.
This woman is utter perfection. How had a wedding I’d been dreading brought me to this moment in time?
“Why, madam. I don’t even know your full name.
” I tease. I need to keep this playful, or I’m going to scare the crap out of her when I start confessing what she’s done to me.
Hell, I’m scaring the crap out of me.
As if lowering a mask into place, her facial expression abruptly changes.
Her lips flatten into a thin line, and the twinkle is now absent from her previously luminous depths.
She retreats a step. It’s only a few inches, but feels as if she’s suddenly dug a chasm between us.
“No last names. It’s only one night. I can’t do the long-distance thing.
” Her eyes fall to the ground. “My life is complicated enough.”
With any other woman, I’d count my blessings for the reassurance this was only one night.
So why do her words feel so damn unsettling?
The absolute last thing I want is an impossible relationship.
And there’s no doubt that’s what it would be.
Long distance or otherwise. She’s making this easy for me. Simply enjoy her while she’s here.
Brushing a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, I answer, “Yes. I agree. And I’d very much love to join you.
” There’s no way I want this night to end a moment sooner than it has to.
I hope my eagerness doesn’t have me coming across like a total perv.
I mean, you’d think I’d just won the lottery.
Regardless of my internal emotional whiplash, I can’t wipe the grin off of my face.
When have I ever been this painfully awkward around a woman?
“Don’t worry. It’ll be our little secret.
” Char instantly stiffens in my arms. Shit, what did I say? Hell. Maybe I am coming off pervy.
Face it. You have no game, dickwad.
I search her eyes intently. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No, no. It’s just been a long day.” Her hands move to slide up and down her arms. The relaxed, familiar atmosphere we’ve cultivated throughout the evening has vanished.
In its stead, anxiety is sprouting. Because it’s warm as hell out tonight, even for our mountain climate. There’s no way she’s cold.
How have I managed to fuck this up?
“Look. Let me drive you to your hotel. It’s late, and you’ve had more to drink than I have. It doesn’t need to go any farther than that.” Reaching back behind my neck, I massage the tense muscle under my collar.
Do the right thing, Dave. As much as you’d like this night to end differently, you’re not that guy.
If it was supposed to happen, it would. “I guess I’m just not ready to end my night with you.
But I’ll settle for a few more minutes in your company.
Even if it’s merely a moonlight ride in my truck. ”
With that, her beautiful body collides against mine with a thud. Her arms fling around my neck, fingers digging into my hair and scalp. Then her mouth is on mine.
Oh, sweet Jesus, this incredible woman tastes like heaven. How did I think I could walk away without more of her sweet mouth? If I died tonight with her cherry flavor on my lips and tongue, I’d go a happy man.
In the moments that pass, I can’t explain how we make it from the parking lot to her hotel. There’s a fleeting memory of holding her hand and pulling it to my mouth as we drove there. But otherwise, all conscious thought is lost once we exit my truck and make our way to her room.
Bumping into the wall beside her door, we frantically kiss and fondle each other through our clothing like two teens on prom night.
I think that might be the last time I’ve felt this completely unhinged for a girl.
My dick is so painfully hard, the lack of blood flow to my brain is making me see stars.
What the hell will being inside her do to me?
“Wait, wait.” She places her palms flat on my chest, pushing me away until both arms are fully extended.
I freeze. Oh, god. If she changes her mind now, I might actually break into tears.