Chapter 5 #2
It was in her best interest for me to stay away from her, but I really didn’t want to. She was only in town for a few months, and there was nothing for Hannah to worry about. Reegan was not sticking around, and we were not a thing. Even if she did spark a fantasy or two.
I poured two cups of coffee and fixed hers how she said she liked it, then carried both mugs outside to the fire pit in Ashlyn’s backyard.
“Good morning,” I said when I got closer.
Reegan looked up at me, a hint of a smile lifting her lips before she screwed them into a scowl. “Morning.”
Her reception was colder than Amethyst Bay on a winter morning. What the hell was that about? I handed over the coffee, and she set it on the table instead of drinking it. “Did I not fix it correctly?”
“I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Did I do something else?”
Reegan glanced at me, then dragged her gaze back to the water. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just not into cheating.”
“Oh. I apologize. I was only trying to be friendly. I didn’t realize you were seeing someone.”
“Not me. You.”
“What?” I paused, looking at her and seeing the anger in her eyes. “I’m not seeing anyone.”
Her dark eyebrows shot up, highlighting her disbelief. She scoffed. “I hope not, but you are married.”
I held up both hands to show the absence of a ring. “No, I’m not.”
“I saw you yesterday at Daily Ritual. With the blonde woman. This town is too small for you to be sitting out here flirting with me and not think your wife is going to find out.”
I opened my mouth to reply and found myself laughing. “You’re right, this town is too small for that. But I’m not married.”
“I saw you.”
“Divorced. She’s remarried, which is why she wears rings and I don’t.”
Reegan’s eyes narrowed at me. “You two looked pretty cozy.”
I leaned closer to her. “You sound like you’re jealous.”
She scoffed. “Oh, please. I barely know you.”
“True, but I like you, Reegan. I would be jealous if I saw you talking to another man.”
She shook her head. “I don’t do jealousy. There’s no reason for it. If you don’t trust the person you’re with, you shouldn’t be together.”
I smiled and leaned back. “What about someone you’re not with yet? Do you ever get jealous then?”
She opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. A flush crept up her cheeks. She grabbed the mug I brought her and lifted it to her lips.
I echoed her movements, knowing she was stalling for an answer. I was patient. I could wait.
“Why did you get divorced?”
I nearly choked on my coffee. “Irreconcilable differences.”
“Which means you didn’t get along. Who was to blame?”
“You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”
She turned to look at me, putting distance between us as she did. “Yes, I was jealous yesterday. You were flirting with me, then I saw you with someone else. I was also angry on her behalf, but that’s clearly irrelevant now.”
I smiled, liking her honesty. It was refreshing after dealing with Hannah for so long. “Hannah… my ex. She didn’t want to share my attention with anyone else. She wanted to be the only one I spent time with.”
“That seems… Wait, are we talking about cheating again?”
“No,” I declared. “No. I never cheated on her. I never would. When I’m with someone, I’m only with that person. Even casual things, I’m a one woman at a time guy.”
“So, she was jealous of anyone you spent time with. Friends, family, coworkers?”
“Yes. And I didn’t do enough to assure her that I loved only her.”
“Do you still?”
I shook my head slowly, smiling. “I wouldn’t be flirting with you if I did.”
“I guess that means you’re not involved with anyone else right now. If you’re being honest about one woman at a time.”
I mirrored her as she moved closer. “I’m being honest, and I’m not involved with anyone else. I haven’t been for a while.”
“So you’re free to flirt with whomever you choose?” She moved closer.
“Until someone flirts back.” I set my coffee on the armrest behind me.
Reegan moved her coffee behind her. “And then what?”
“Then I kiss you, Reegan.”
She sucked in a soft breath, drawing me closer as she did. Her eyes widened, then dropped to my lips. She slicked her tongue over her lips, wetting them as she moved closer to me.
I reached up with one hand, touching her jaw. My fingertips danced over her skin, tingling as the distance between us disappeared.
My lips brushed hers, sending a jolt through me. Her tiny gasp said she felt the same thing.
I wanted to savor the kiss, to enjoy every second of it, but Reegan tilted her head and licked against my lips. I growled and opened for her, sliding my tongue along hers as my dick pressed against my zipper.
She sighed into my mouth, a happy sound that sent another jolt through me.
Her hand landed on my chest, and for a second, I thought she was going to push me away.
Then her fingers curled. She dragged me closer, slamming her mouth against mine.
Her tongue plunged into my mouth, demanding I give her everything I was holding back.
Fuck, I loved that. A woman who wasn’t afraid to take what she needed. A woman who didn’t hide and play coy. I was too damn old for games or hesitation.
And Reegan wasn’t up for either.
I gripped her neck and tangled my fingers in her hair. I tugged to force her head in the direction I wanted it, then met her kisses stroke for stroke.
I let my hand slide back to her jaw, trailing my fingertips over her soft skin.
She flinched and pulled back. “Sorry. I’m ticklish.”
“Apologies. I’ll remember that for next time.”
“Assuming there will be a next time,” she said with a cheeky grin.
A slow, cocky smile lifted my lips. “There will definitely be a next time, Reegan.”
She stood, grabbed her mug, and brought it to her lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Josh.”
“Yes, you will, Reegan.” I stood and watched her retreat to Ashlyn’s house, wishing I could follow her.
But the waiting would be even better. Because something told me Reegan Smith was a woman worth waiting for.
Even if it made me crazy to do it.