Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
A fter meeting Kelsey for a beer at Books ’N Brew, Ribbon Ridge’s kitschy bookstore that served coffee in the morning and Archer beer in the evening, Brooke and her new friend made their way down Main Street to the edge of town to Ruckus, Ribbon Ridge’s answer to a dive bar.
“Thanks for agreeing to come here instead of The Arch and Vine,” Kelsey said as they cut into the parking lot.
“No problem.” Brooke flashed her a smile. “I totally understand why you don’t want to hang out at your job on your night off. Plus, I’m the one that suggested something more casual than The Arch and Fox.” They’d agreed to go up and drink Bex’s beer another time.
The night was warm and dry, typical of August in the Willamette Valley. Brooke was glad she’d put her hair up, but she was still heated after the walk.
“Have you been here before?” Kelsey asked as they approached the door.
“Not yet. Do I need to be prepped?”
Kelsey laughed. “No. It’s just a different clientele from most of the other places in town.”
Brooke could see that, judging from the motorcycles and four-wheel-drive trucks in the lot as well as the neon signs offering Keno and video poker. It reminded her of the family friendly restaurant by day and bar by night back home, where her family had enjoyed many an excellent burger. “Do they serve burgers?”
“No, just basic bar food. Pretzels, hot dogs, fries, and nachos. Although, don’t expect their nachos to compare to The Arch and Vine.”
“I haven’t had them.” Brooke had only eaten at the Archers’ pub a couple of times. “They do have pretty good burgers though.”
Kelsey opened the door, and music blared at them. “That they do.”
Brooke walked in behind her. “Bar or table?”
“Definitely table.”
They scanned the busy room. The tables looked pretty full. But Kelsey pointed toward an empty booth in the middle of the far wall. It was still cluttered with glasses, indicating it had been recently vacated. Brooke nodded, and they wove through tables and patrons to reach their destination. Between the music and the conversation, a deep hum filled the place.
They each slid into opposite sides of the booth and set about scooting the former occupants’ detritus to the edge of the table.
“Why do I feel like I should bus this?” Kelsey laughed.
Brooke joined her, chuckling. “Resist the urge! It’s your night off.”
A server came by and stacked the glasses. “Sorry. We’re busy tonight.” She pulled a towel from a pocket in the small apron around her waist and wiped down the table. “Do you know what you want?”
They ordered a couple of beers, and the server took off.
“So what’s going on with the history exhibit?” Brooke asked.
“I talked to Hayden, and he hooked me up with Alaina and her friend Crystal. They were pretty excited to hear about the brick you mentioned. Which reminds me, I totally forgot to ask Hayden for it.” Kelsey shook her head. “Any chance you’ll be up at the winery any time soon? Maybe you can grab it.”
Brooke would probably have to stop by there sometime next week to pick up more wine samples. She was running low, but she knew she’d wait until the last possible moment to get more. As it was, communication between her and Cam had trickled to a bare minimum. They’d exchanged just a couple of quick e-mails this week about the wine dinner next month.
“Sure, I can do that,” Brooke said. She went back to their topic to push Cam out of her head. “So what’s your plan with the exhibit?”
“I guess there was some discussion about turning the Archer homestead into a museum, but Alaina and her husband are renovating it instead, and they plan to live there.”
Brooke immediately wondered if that was where the brick had come from. “What’s the Archer homestead?”
“It’s a house on the current Archer estate that dates back to about 1890.” Kelsey’s mouth curved up. “Yes, too late for the brick—I can see you went to the same place I did immediately.” She chuckled.
Brooke smiled. “I did. The initials on it—BNR—did anyone have a clue about them?”
Kelsey shook her head. “No, but they were going to hit the books and see what they could find. I’ve been doing a bit of searching too, but they have the bulk of the materials.”
“What sort of materials?” Brooke looked up at the server as she arrived with their beer. “Thanks.”
Kelsey curled her hand around the base of her pint glass. “Letters, copies of birth and death certificates, and property deeds. A random collection, I guess. I haven’t seen it yet. We’re getting together soon so I can take a look and put together some ideas for the exhibit.”
“That sounds so fun. You’re going to house it upstairs at the library?”
Kelsey took a quick sip of her beer. “Yes. You know, I’m sure we could use a hand if you want to help. I’m always looking for library volunteers.”
Brooke instantly warmed to the idea. It would give her something to do that wasn’t work-related. Between that and trying to restart her nonexistent love life, she’d be busy enough to forget all about Cameron Westcott.
“I’d love to help, thanks for asking.” Brooke took a long drink of beer. “Maybe we should’ve ordered shots.”
Kelsey laughed. “Is that right? Is there something you’re trying to forget?”
Wow, she’d nailed that. “It’s just been a long week.”
Kelsey grimaced. “And it’s not over yet. I’m working at the library tomorrow from ten to four, then at The Arch and Vine from five to close.”
“Yikes! I’d say you need a shot—or several—but then you might not be able to function tomorrow.”
“True. So rain check on shots?”
“Definitely. I’d say on your next day off, but I’m worried you don’t have any.” Even though Kelsey hadn’t worked at the pub today, she told Brooke that she’d done a full day at the library.
Kelsey lifted a shoulder. “The library’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I try not to work at the pub on one of those days.”
“So one day a week.” At Kelsey’s sheepish nod, Brooke shook her head. “That’s not enough! Why do I think this is the first social outing you’ve had in ages?”
“Because it is?” Kelsey waved her hand. “It’s fine. I like to be busy.”
“Clearly you don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m guessing you don’t even date.” Wow, this sounded so familiar. No wonder they’d hit it off.
“No, and correct.”
Brooke lifted her pint in toast. “Well then, we have that in common. Men suck.”
Kelsey was quick to tap her glass to Brooke’s. “Amen.”
They drank deeply, and Kelsey was the first to jump in. “Anything you want to share?”
Brooke shrugged. “I don’t want to be Debbie Downer. Suffice it to say I’m divorced.”
Kelsey nodded, and her eyes were warm and empathetic. “I get you. I won’t depress you with my story either. Not divorced, but a long-term relationship that ended badly.” She shuddered.
“Sorry to hear that. You might think I’m crazy, but I’ve actually been thinking it’s time to get back in the game. I have two sisters and an overinvolved mother who keep trying to set me up.”
Kelsey laughed. “I thought you told me earlier that your family still lives in southern Oregon?”
“They do, but you think that would stop them?”
“One can hope. My family lives up in Washington, and it could be Siberia for all I see of them.”
Brooke couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or not. “And is that okay?”
Kelsey cupped her hands around her pint glass. “It’s fine. It’s just my mom and stepdad and my younger half-brother. He’s still in high school, so they’re focused on that.” She took another drink of beer. “Are you eyeing someone in particular? To date, I mean.”
An image of Cam in his towel at his townhouse rose in her mind. No, not him. “My mom wants to set me up with a guy in Mac. I think I’m going to say yes.”
Kelsey inhaled and briefly cocked her head to the side. “You’re brave. Not only putting your toes back in the water, but with a blind date?”
Brooke winced. “You’re giving me second thoughts.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Oh no! I’m sorry. You should totally do it. If your mom vetted him, he’s probably great.”
Probably. “I think he might be more my sister’s type than mine.”
Kelsey chuckled. “So she should date him.”
“Except she’s married. Both my sisters are. I’m the failure.” Brooke took a long pull on her beer to cover up her discomfort. She hadn’t meant to say that.
Across the table, Kelsey’s gaze darkened with concern. Brooke averted her eyes and caught the door opening. Oh hell. In walked Cam and Luke Westcott. Of all the damned, rotten luck.
She drank more of her beer, nearly draining it. If she finished it quickly, she could suggest they leave.
“Well, when you decide to go out with this guy, let me know if you need a wingman,” Kelsey said. “I’m happy to sit at a nearby table and rescue you if necessary.”
Brooke bit her tongue before she said that rescue was necessary right now. She glanced toward the door, and damn it, the brothers made eye contact with her. And started walking over.
Steeling herself, Brooke polished off her beer.
Kelsey noted that Brooke’s glass was empty and picked hers up. “I need to catch you.”
She did. Then they could leave.
“Hey there!” Luke greeted Brooke as they approached the table. He looked over at Kelsey.
There was no avoiding introductions at least. “Hi,” Brooke said, somewhat unenthusiastically and not caring one bit. “Luke, this is my friend Kelsey. Kelsey, this is Luke Westcott and his brother Cameron.” She didn’t make eye contact with Cam.
“You look familiar,” Luke said to Kelsey. “Have we met before?”
“Probably. I work at The Arch and Vine.”
He shook his head, smiling. “Duh. Now I feel like a tool for not remembering that.”
She smiled at him. “Don’t. We haven’t ever introduced ourselves or anything.”
“Well, no time like the present.” He sat on the bench next to Kelsey, and she scooted over to make room. “You don’t mind, do you?” He looked from Kelsey to Brooke and back to Kelsey again. “There aren’t any other tables.”
“We’ll be leaving shortly,” Brooke said. She finally shot a glance at Cam, who was still standing next to the table. Their gazes connected, and fire sparked through her. Damn it. Absence apparently made more than the heart grow fonder—it made unsatisfied aches burn.
Luke looked up at his brother. “Aren’t you going to sit?”
Brooke moved as close to the wall as she could without looking ridiculous. Cam slid in beside her, and though they weren’t touching, she felt his presence as though they were.
“What’re you drinking?” Luke asked.
“Hefeweizen,” Kelsey answered.
“And it looks like you’re due for another round.” Luke looked around for the server.
Shit. Wait, this was stupid. She could sit next to Cam and be fine. They were going to be doing this in the future for various work-related stuff, so she’d better get used to it. Besides, Ribbon Ridge was a small town. Things like this were bound to happen.
The server stopped by, and Luke ordered a pitcher. After she left, he looked at Brooke and Kelsey. “Are we interrupting girls’ night?”
“Sort of,” Brooke said.
Luke flinched. “Sorry. We’ll leave you alone as soon as a table opens up.”
Kelsey shook her head. “It’s fine.” She exchanged a look with Brooke that seemed to ask if that was okay. Brooke gave a slight nod. What could she do?
Luke darted a look at Cam, and Brooke could see the unspoken question in his gaze— why aren’t you talking? She wondered if Cam was as uncomfortable as she was.
“So, Kelsey,” Luke said, “you work at The Arch and Vine?”
“She’s also the new librarian,” Brooke said.
Luke looked confused.
Kelsey turned her head to look at him. “The library just opened up a couple of weeks ago, and I’m running it.”
“Very cool. I didn’t realize. Too wrapped up in work, I guess. I’ll have to stop by.”
The server brought the pitcher with glasses, and when Cam went to pour the beer, his elbow brushed Brooke’s arm. She sidled closer to the wall.
Luke took a drink, then angled his body toward Kelsey. “Tell me about the library.”
As they chatted, Brooke sipped her beer. She kept her voice low as she looked over at Cam. “Something wrong with you tonight?”
He glanced at her. “No, why?”
“I’ve never seen you this quiet. It’s…weird.”
He exhaled. “Sorry.” He took a long drink. “I didn’t realize… That is, I didn’t know how…seeing you… Hell, never mind.” He went back to drinking.
Brooke smiled, enjoying his agitation. “Is this a problem?” She blinked at him and made sure her tone was sugary innocent.
He scowled at her briefly, then took a deep breath. When he turned toward her, he smiled, and the effect was devastating. Brooke’s gut clenched, and heat pooled between her legs.
“Nope, not a problem,” he said, appearing to completely regroup and change his attitude. “I guess I was still feeling bad about the other night, but you seem fine.”
“Yep, fine.” She knew she answered too quickly and wished she’d said something far more sophisticated. Like what? Maybe something like, What are you feeling bad about? as if she’d forgotten all about their near-sexy times. Damn, why did the good comebacks never come to mind at the right time?
Kelsey looked at her beer. “You know, I usually drink this with lemon.”
Luke jumped up. “I’ll get you some.”
“You don’t have to,” Kelsey said.
“No, but I want to.” He flashed her a smile, and Brooke wondered how long Kelsey might stick to her no-dating resolve. Assuming Luke was interested. Maybe Brooke just saw a Westcott smile and immediately assumed they were on the hunt. Ugh, that wasn’t fair. Especially with regard to Cam. He’d been a gentleman last weekend, and she should thank him for that.
Brooke shook away the last vestiges of her irritation as Luke took off to get the lemon.
“Actually, I’m going to run to the ladies’ room,” Kelsey said. “Be right back.” She left, and suddenly Brooke and Cam were alone. Well, alone in a boisterous bar.
Cam sipped his beer and cast her a sidelong glance. “You look great.”
“Thanks. You too.” He wore a crisp green T-shirt and dark gray shorts that had clearly been pressed. He always looked so put together. So bizarre for a guy, and such a turn-on for her.
He turned his head to look at her. “Thanks for your help with the wine dinner. The critic from Wine Enthusiast is a huge get. We really appreciate it.”
“My pleasure.” That word set off warning bells in her brain. She looked at his chest and recalled how sexy he looked when it was bare. She jerked her gaze back to his face but ended up staring at his mouth, remembering what it felt like on hers. Fighting a blush that would tell him more than she wanted him to know, she picked up her beer and drank.
Luke came back with the lemons. “Where’s Kelsey?”
“Ladies’ room,” Brooke said.
Luke nodded. He looked between her and his brother, his gaze assessing. He knows. But what exactly? He’d watched them leave the wine tasting last weekend. Had he drawn his own conclusions, or had Cam filled him in? She leaned back against the wall and watched Cam drink his beer.
“Hey, I need to drop by sometime this week to pick up some more samples,” she said.
“You’re on fire,” Luke said. “We hit the jackpot when Cam hired you.”
Cam slid her an appreciative look. “We sure did.”
Uh-oh. He was flirting again. They weren’t supposed to do that.
She glared at him and muttered, “Knock it off,” so that only he could hear.
He looked away and exhaled, appearing defeated. Good.
She sipped her beer, and the alcohol infused her with a welcome sense of relaxation. She edged away from the wall and settled back against the booth.
Kelsey returned then, and she and Luke picked up their conversation again.
“That’s better,” Cam murmured too close to her ear. He’d leaned toward her. “You looked like you might crawl through the wall to get away from me.”
She turned her head and gave him an ultrasweet smile. “Careful, or I might do it again. Stop flirting with me.”
He blinked one eye closed and scrunched his face briefly. “I tried, but I can’t help it. Sorry.”
“Try harder. ”
“Yes. I will. I mean it.” He gave her a determined look, and she almost laughed.
“This really is hard for you, isn’t it?”
“Only with you.”
That was not what she needed to hear.
Time to save them both from temptation. “I think I should go.” She made a show of yawning, even though it was all of, what, nine thirty?
Kelsey, bless her—she was clearly a great wingman—bought the clue. She looked at Brooke in question, read her nonverbal response, which Brooke delivered in the form of a pleading stare, and gave a slight nod. She drank more of her beer, taking it down to the halfway mark. “Yeah, time for me to head home too. Working two jobs takes a toll.” She stood up. “Enjoy the table.”
Luke smiled at her. “Thanks. It was nice chatting with you.”
Cam slid out to make way for Brooke. She followed him, and as she stood, caught her foot on the base of the booth. She stumbled, but Cam clasped her waist and kept her from falling. “You okay?” He didn’t let go, and his green gaze blazed into hers.
She pivoted—reluctantly, if she was honest—and his hands finally dropped to his sides. “Yes. Good night.”
She turned and followed Kelsey from the bar. Outside, the temperature had dropped a couple of degrees, and there was a lovely breeze that felt divine against her flushed cheeks.
“What’s the story there?” Kelsey asked as they walked back toward the main part of town.
Brooke looked over at her, not terribly surprised that she’d detected something. “With Cam, you mean?”
She hunched her shoulders briefly. “Sorry. If you’d rather not talk about it, I totally understand. I just… You guys have crazy sparks.”
“I know.” What else could she say? “But we work together, so it’s a nonstarter.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Not really. He’s a player. Even if we didn’t work together, it would be a flash-in-the-pan kind of thing.” That sounded terrific. Just what she needed, probably. “Which wouldn’t be so bad at this point in my life, actually.”
“Well then, that sucks. Maybe you should stop working with him. It’s not like you’d have to quit your actual job, right?”
Brooke had told Kelsey about her job earlier, so she knew that Cam wasn’t her employer. “True, but so far, West Arch has proven to be a good income stream. Not sure I want to give that up for a few nights of fun.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.” Kelsey shook her head. “Tough situation. Whatever you decide, I’m here if you need to talk.”
Brooke smiled, glad that she’d met Kelsey and that it seemed their friendship was off to a great, solid start. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
They reached Second, where they would part ways, and Kelsey said, “So, I’ll let you know when we’re going to meet about the exhibit.”
“Sounds great. See you then.”
They exchanged waves, and Kelsey crossed the street while Brooke took off toward her building.
A few minutes later as she stepped into the elevator, she pulled out her phone and texted her sister. Okay, tell Mom I’ll meet the guy from Mac.
Rhonda’s response came as Brooke stepped into her loft. Excellent! This is going to be great. I can just feel it.
The only thing Brooke could feel right now was a pull to Cam’s townhouse across the street. But that wasn’t an option. Yes, it was time to make some changes. Starting with putting herself back on the market.
Cam hefted the case of wine onto his shoulder as he stepped off the elevator onto Brooke’s floor. He ought to have called or texted first, but he didn’t want her to tell him not to come. He could’ve just left it for her at the winery to pick up, but he wanted to talk to her. The other night at Ruckus had been unnecessarily awkward. Things didn’t have to be like that. At least he hoped they didn’t.
But damn, he had to admit it was difficult being around her and not pursuing a romantic relationship. Difficult, but not impossible. He could do this.
He knocked on her door. A moment later, her voice came through the wood. “Who is it?”
“It’s Cam. I brought your wine.”
She unlocked the door and opened it to reveal her skeptical expression. “You didn’t buzz up.”
“Someone else was coming in the building.”
She frowned at him. “You aren’t supposed to do that.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, fairly certain she wasn’t teasing. “Do you want to call the police? Just let me set the wine down, if you don’t mind.”
She opened the door wider and gestured him inside.
Somehow they’d gone from uncomfortable to adversarial. He really didn’t like that. He set the wine on the floor in her entry. He noted she didn’t close the door. “Can we talk for a few minutes?”
She hesitated but ultimately shut the door and walked farther into her loft. He watched the sway of her hips, cloaked in denim shorts. They cupped her ass perfectly and had a sexy, tattered hem, like they’d been torn. He got an instant visual of ripping them off her and started to sport wood.
Down boy, he cautioned. He hadn’t come here to do anything but apologize and hopefully smooth things over.
She turned to the right and walked into her kitchen, standing next to a long, rectangular island. “What do you want to talk about?”
He joined her at the counter, but left a few feet between them. He leaned against the granite edge and crossed his arms. “I wanted to apologize for the other night. Things seemed uncomfortable, and I really don’t want them to be.”
She blew out a breath and crossed her arms too. “I don’t either. Any ideas on how we do that?”
He’d spent a lot of time thinking about that. Too much, probably. And his thoughts generally veered in the wrong direction, where he ended up undressing her in his mind and having spectacular sex with her.
Yeah, that wasn’t helping.
“I’m hoping we can be friends. Maybe if we focused on doing friend things, the…uh, the attraction between us might fade.” He nearly laughed at how stupid that sounded.
She arched a brow at him, and her expression seemed to echo his thoughts. “You really think that will work?”
“Hey, it’s worth trying.” He cocked his head to the side. “What do you suggest?”
She hesitated a moment before saying, “Finding someone else at Willamette to take your account.”
So they could pursue a romantic relationship? The rampant desire he was trying so hard to rein in pulsed through him.
She dropped her arms, and her brow furrowed. “But I hate to do that. This is a good account.”
He didn’t really want her to do that either. She was great, and the business part of his brain didn’t want to lose her. “So back to my friend idea, then.” Which sounded even more unappealing than it had two minutes ago.
She laid her palm flat on the counter and seemed to study the granite. “It’s not a no. I just don’t know how it will work.” She darted him a glance. “I do like you. As a friend.”
He edged closer and uncrossed his arms. He mimicked her, putting his hand on the counter so that their fingers were maybe a foot apart. “I like you too. A little more than as a friend, but I’ll take what I can get.”
She straightened and looked at him, her blue-green eyes sharp and beautiful. “Maybe we should just get this out of our systems. I know you’re worried about us working together, but it’s sort of not going all that great right now anyway, is it?”
Their communication had become stilted, and even though she was still doing a great job, things were awkward. All in all, she had a fair point. But was she serious about the getting-it-out-of-their-systems part? He couldn’t tell.
He offered a self-deprecating smile. “I was trying to be a gentleman. And look where that got me.”
She laughed softly, and her eyes lit. He ached to touch her.
“I appreciate you trying to do that—really. Even if I was pissed at first. But it’s good. You’ve actually encouraged me to get back out there. My mom and sister are setting me up on a blind date.”
She could’ve kicked him square in the balls, and it might’ve had less of an impact. His chest tightened, and his insides swirled with turmoil. Apparently, she hadn’t been serious about getting their mutual attraction out of their systems. “Well, that’s progress, I guess,” he said tightly. He stalled the incremental movement of his hand—which he’d only been partially aware of—on the counter.
Her eyes narrowed slightly and only for a second, as if she’d caught the nuance of his reaction. Shit, maybe it wasn’t that nuanced. Maybe his face screamed his envy. Time to get the hell out of there. “So let’s try the friend thing, then. I’m confident we can do it. You can even tell me all about your date when I see you next.” He forced a smile before turning and starting from the kitchen toward the door.
“Hey, you seem mad.” She caught his hand. “Don’t leave mad. Friends don’t do that.”
He turned, his fingers twining through hers. “Friends don’t do a lot of things. Like think about how they want to toss the other one on the counter and screw them senseless.”
Her eyes widened and immediately darkened with desire. “See, I told you we should just get it out of our systems. I bet that’s all it would take.”
She was serious. “That’s a line I would use. You’re killing me with it.”
She lifted a shoulder and ran her thumb along his palm. “Maybe it’s fun to play the player.”
The sexy lilt of her voice and the seductive glint in her gaze completely destroyed whatever willpower he’d been clinging to. He clasped her waist and spun her around so that her back was up against the fridge. She gasped softly, but her eyes slitted as he pushed his body into hers.
He massaged her waist and brought her hand up, pinning it against the stainless steel. He leaned in close and inhaled her spicy, floral scent. She stared at him, her eyes daring him to take the next step. He shouldn’t…he couldn’t…he had to.
Angling his head, he kissed her hard and fast. He let go of her hand and cupped the side of her neck. Her hands came up around his back and clutched at him. He felt his shirt bunch up as she tugged at the fabric.
Their hips pressed against each other, their bodies pulsing and seeking. The kiss was deep and lush, delicious strokes of tongues and fevered moans. He cocked his head the other way, searching for new ground, claiming every part of her he could find.
She thrust into him, grinding her pelvis and opening her thighs. Hot lust poured through him. Mindless, he found the hem of her tank and pulled it up, yanking it over her head as he broke the kiss for the briefest of moments.
Her breasts were flush against his chest, full and enticing. He cupped the underside of one, his thumb and fingertips skimming over the lace decoration of her bra. She arched her back, pushing her breast into his hand. He pulled his mouth from hers and bent to her chest. Slipping his fingers into her bra, he tugged it down to pop her breast free. God, she was beautiful. Perfect. He ran his thumb over her nipple and watched it peak. It beckoned him to taste, and he didn’t need much urging. He licked at her flesh, lightly, teasingly. She thrust her hands into his hair and pressed him against her. He held her breast, capturing it for his mouth. Then he taunted her with slow, gentle licks before he closed his lips over her.
She moaned, her fingers digging into his scalp. He squeezed her flesh and used his teeth lightly, making her gasp. “Yes.” The word floated from her mouth—a plea, a demand. Over and over, she prodded him with that word and with her body. Her hips continued to rotate into his, and her hands moved over him, seeking and claiming. She clasped his ass and pulled him tight against her. His cock nestled between her legs, finding her heat despite the clothing between them. He needed her now.
“ Cam .”
It sounded as if she needed him too.
He reluctantly left her breast, and she clasped the hem of his shirt. He whipped it off and threw it aside, then pulled her away from the fridge long enough to unhook her bra. Then he brought her against him and kissed her again, reveling in being flesh to flesh with her at last.
He pinned her against the fridge, and she tilted her hips. The movement caressed his cock just right. He groaned and grabbed her ass, lifting her. She wrapped her legs around him, bringing him even closer to that sweet spot. He mentally cursed the clothes they were still wearing.
She twined her arms around his neck and kissed him as she squeezed him with her legs. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this worked up. Not even last week when she’d interrupted him in the shower. This was utter bliss. This was heaven. This was Brooke.
He considered where to go next—he needed to get the rest of their clothes off. He interrupted the kiss long enough to form a single-word question. “Bedroom?”
She kissed him, her tongue sweeping against his. “Mmm, yes.”
He mentally undressed her and then him and then?—
Shit.
He pulled back slightly. She opened her eyes and gave him a dusky stare.
“I, uh…” He hadn’t come prepared for this. “I don’t suppose you have a condom?”