Speechless, I get lost in his gaze, in his burning expression and beautiful eyes.

“I don’t know what that means, but I want to find out,” he says. He runs his thumb over my lower lip. “Are you okay with that?  Jumping into the unknown?”

I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I lift my head, plant a slow kiss on his lips, and then whisper against them.

“Geronimo.”

Chapter Fifteen

Sunlight warms my face and I open one eye. I take in the room around me and wonder what time it is. I should probably get back to Pete’s in case he comes home. The last thing I need is a lecture on what he would perceive as the walk of shame.

I bury my head into a pillow at the thought. Closing my eye, I allow myself a few more minutes of peace. I have no idea what will happen once I get out of this bed. Under the sheets, everything makes sense. My naked back is pressed to Latson’s chest, and his arm is draped over my side. My muscles are blissfully sore, and I feel warm and wanted. I’m me and he’s him, and we’re two people that really like one another. I don’t regret what happened.

However, outside of the blankets, he’s my boss and my brother’s friend. I didn’t think about that last night. I was wrapped up in doing what made me happy, caught in the whirlwind that is Latson. I got lost in his kisses and touches and words. Do I want it to continue?  Yes. But I’m pretty sure I’ll need to quit my job for that to happen. When I do, my brother will know something big went down. I hope it won’t create a problem for Latson, especially with Pete.

The thought of a potential shit storm makes me groan into the pillow. I curse my over-analytical mind. Leave it to reality to crush my high. Forget it, I think. Relax. Remember your rule.

Latson’s arm tightens around me, and he finds the crook of my neck with his lips. He gives me a sleepy kiss. “Why are you making strange noises?”

“I’m sorry I woke you.” I roll on my back and look at him. He couldn’t be more adorable if he tried. His hair is sticking up in all directions, probably from me pulling on it, and his eyes are tired. “I was thinking about my rule.”

“What rule?” He frowns. “Please tell me it doesn’t pertain to guys you sleep with.”

I smile. “It does and it doesn’t.”

He drags his hand over his lazy eyes, trying to wake up. “Care to fill me in?  I don’t want to break this rule.”

“It’s not for you. It’s for me.”

He raises a questioning brow and I elaborate. “When I came to the city, I promised myself I would only do what made me happy. I made it my Cardinal rule. After everything in my life fell apart, I had to do something to stay sane.”

Concern crosses his features. “Are you saying last night didn’t make you happy?”

“Absolutely not.” I roll to my side and prop my head on my hand. “I haven’t been that happy in, oh, I’d say ever.”

He gives me his signature smirk before giving me a hungry kiss. “But to keep the happy, I need to quit my job,” I mumble against his lips. “Pete will probably flip out, and I don’t want it to affect your friendship.”

Without warning he rolls over and pounces on me, causing me to yelp. He covers my body with his, twisting the sheets around us. “This is what you think about first thing in the morning?”

 I laugh. “I can’t help it.”

He hovers above me, leaning on his elbows. “We need to redirect your train of thought.”

“I’m serious,” I say. “I can’t sleep with my boss.”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “I know you can, because you did.”

I try to kick my feet, but get nowhere. “This is an important issue!”

“Only if you make it one.” He kisses my forehead. “No one will care if we’re seeing each other except for Pete. Do you really want to quit working at Torque?”

“Well, no,” I confess. I like it there. The money is good and the people are better.

“Then stop trying to create a problem. I don’t want you to quit. I like the thought of seeing you every day.” His voice gets low and seductive. “I can control myself. Are you saying you can’t?”

I roll my eyes. “Of course I can.”

“Like you said, outside of work we’re us. Inside, we can be professionals unless we’re alone.”

“What?”

He leans down and whispers in my ear. “Don’t think I haven’t thought about taking you over the bar.”

A shiver runs up my spine. “Really?”

“Really.”

I have to admit that’s something I’ve never done – and would totally love to do. “Fine.” I pretend to be stern. “But we should set some rules. You can’t come within five feet of me while I’m working.”

“Three,” he counters.

“No touching.”

“Can I touch you with words?”

I sigh. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Not at all.” He tries to look innocent.

“I don’t want the other staff to think I’m getting special treatment,” I explain. “I got enough suspicious looks the day I started.”

“That’s understandable,” he says. “Although …”  His fingers trace a pattern over my skin, along the edge of the sheet trapped between us. “You will be getting special treatment.”

He nudges the fabric down, and I squirm beneath him. “I’m trying to have an adult conversation with you.”

“And I’m trying to act like an adult with you.”

His lips replace his fingers as he moves down my body, pulling the sheet off and exposing me along the way. “Just so we’re clear,” he mumbles against my belly, “I can’t think straight around you. It’s worse when you’re naked beneath me.”

My body warms to his touch. “That sounds like a serious problem.” I run my hands into his hair. “Maybe I should avoid you altogether.”

He nips my hip in admonishment, and I twitch. “Not an option.”

He sits back on his knees allowing his eyes to rake over me. I’m not used to being scrutinized nude in the daylight, so I cover myself with my arms. “Stop staring.”

Slowly, he crawls back up my body, taking my wrists and pinning them beside my head. “Again, not an option.” He leans in and kisses my neck. “You’re beautiful. You’ll be lucky if I let you wear clothes when we’re alone again.”

I laugh. “I think you’re just happy I agreed to stay the night.”

“No.” His eyes immediately snap to mine. “I meant what I said. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you. I don’t know if it’s your smart mouth, your talent, or your heart that makes me want you more, but you haven’t left my mind since day one. Yes, I’m glad last night happened, but I’d feel the same if it hadn’t. I don’t think you understand what you’ve done to me.”

My expression softens as I take in his words. “What did I do?”

“You made me feel.”

He releases my wrists, and I rest my hands on his arms. “Feel?  I don’t –”

“I’ve been numb,” he says. “I knew I was, but I didn’t care. A month ago I never would have performed in front of a crowd. I wouldn’t have asked a woman out on a date, and I sure as hell wouldn’t have talked to my father. Those things happened because of you.”

A tiny smile dances across my lips. “Well … you’re welcome.”

“Now,” he focuses on my mouth, “can we stop talking?  I don’t get many Oliver-free mornings, and I’d like to enjoy our time while we can.”

“So, that’s how this is going to work?” I tease. “While the little kid’s away …”

He flashes a wicked grin. “… the big kids will play.”

~~~~

The following afternoon, I give my coworker a concerned look as she hobbles the length of the bar. “Gwen. Are you limping?”

“Yes.” She frowns. “I sprained my ankle yesterday.”

“How?”

Her face turns red as she reaches me. “Promise you won’t laugh.” She hands me her purse to stow beneath the cash register and lets out a big sigh. “I tried to rollerblade.”

I instantly hide a smile. “Oh no. What went wrong?”

“Everything!”  She tosses her hands in the air. “I finally got this guy in my building to ask me out, and he decides to take me rollerblading. Me!  The least athletic person on the planet. I should have known he would want to do something outdoorsy with his perfect tan and his strong legs and the kayak strapped to the top of his Jeep.”