Chapter 34 #2
My resolve weakens and he knows it. His lips land decisively on mine, and we moan attempting to quench the thirst building over the last two hours.
My satchel thuds to the floor as his hands find my hips and haul me closer.
One of his arms wraps around my back, his massive hand pressing our bodies flush.
His other hand snakes up the column of my throat.
My arms slide under his and I clutch his broad back as our tongues tango, getting fully reacquainted.
Fire licks through me, blazing like an inferno.
And just like that, my panties incinerate.
My entire body lights up, floating and roaring at the same time. Our kiss blows through me like a tornado and then we’re in the eye of the storm, as if nothing else exists.
Desire burns low in my belly as he engulfs me in all the best ways. Hands roving, frantic and wanting. Mouths angling, ravenous and tenacious.
Lord, have mercy.
“Wait,” I pant, pulling back.
“Can’t,” he mumbles, his lips trailing to my neck.
“Oh god…that’s…”
“Mm-hmm,” he murmurs.
Stop! I scream in my head. “Butch. Wait.” He continues kissing my exposed skin, cupping my breast through my shirt, pebbling my nipples. I’m momentarily lost.
“ BUTCH .” I shove him gently and he meets my gaze with glassy eyes. “Not here. Not now. I’m working .”
He sighs, adjusting himself in his jeans. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” He blows out a breath, raking those thick fingers through his brunette locks.
Look away from the fingers.
“That went from zero to sixty damn fast,” I say, straightening my clothes.
He huffs out a laugh. “Could’ve won a land speed record at Bonneville.”
“So, um, can we finish the interview? I still have some questions.”
His emerald eyes cut to mine. “Yeah, Sundance. I’ll give you whatever you need.”
True to his word, Butch enthusiastically answers the remainder of my questions. Hamilton Restorations has all the makings of a fantastic feature: history, quality, values, known clientele, and heart.
We wrap it up and I stow the recording equipment. A significant pause hangs between us and the undercurrent of sexual tension I throttled during our discussion returns.
“How about a phone number, Sundance?” Butch pushes a notepad with the company logo printed at the top toward me. “I’d like to see you again. That is, if you’re willing to rescind your ‘one time offer’ decree.”
There’s no hiding my wince…I did say that, didn’t I? His stupidly dazzling eyes shine playfully. If I stare too long, I’ll fall into an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole. It happens anyway—no drink me potion required. “I’d like that too.”
“Sure I can’t convince you to stick around a while longer?” Those verdant emeralds sparkle with promise. So much promise.
“Tempting.” Garden of Eden level. “But I need to get back to the office.”
He doesn’t push but continues studying me. “You are every bit as gorgeous as I remember.”
My insides perform a big, swooning, swirling dip. “And you,” I gesture with one hand, “are insanely good looking. And every bit as huge as I remember. ”
His eyes take on a dangerously sexy glint and combined with the pleased grin stretching across his face, he’s glorious.
I blink, shaking myself from my daze. This charming, engaging man is quicksand. He could swallow me whole before I even realize I’m sinking. Something else skirts the edges of my awareness, something equally concerning. How easy all this seems—the kissing, groping, complimenting, talking.
Butch is both threatening and grounding. A warning and a comfort. A wild ride and a steady, quiet presence.
We exchange numbers, then stand. Butch’s frame dominates the small office.
“I’ll walk you out,” he says, reaching for the door and holding it open for me.
I do like his manners. And his car. My head tilts toward the Barracuda. “Next time, I’d love to go for a ride in that. I’m kind of a freak for muscle cars.”
“Yeah? What’s your favorite?”
I don’t hesitate. “A 1969 Camaro Z/28.”
Butch groans, his head dropping in exaggerated agony.
Hand on my hip, I flash him attitude. “What?”
“I don’t know if we can see each other again.”
Is he joking? “Why not?”
“Because I’m a Mopar man, sweetheart. And we don’t associate with Chevys, Fords, or any other makes.” He sucks in a breath with a dramatic wince, letting it go with a loud whoosh. “It might be a dealbreaker.”
Oh yeah? Walking away, I toss over my shoulder, “Your loss.”
His chuckle follows me as I make my way to his parents, conversing in their front yard. I thank them for their generosity and say goodbye.
Upon my return, Butch opens my car door.
I cast him a flippant glance. “You still here?”
He smiles broadly as I settle into the driver’s side. “I can’t wait to experience more of that sass. And incredible ass ,” he adds, leaning in lower and saying that last bit just loud enough for my ears.
Uhhhhhhh . I blink hard, my thoughts stalling.
“I’ll call you,” he promises. His green eyes fasten so intently on mine that my heart stutters.
He shuts my door and giddiness skids through me. Because goddamn, I really hope he does.