Page 60

“Really? Maybe I should buy you some water wings?” I tease, loving this caring side of him. The gift itself was small, but the feelings behind it were clear, and that’s what makes me giddy about this man.

“They’re called arm inflatables, and they’re for your safety,” he says with a serious look on his face.

“Potato, potahto,” I say, grinning, and he pulls me closer.

“Maybe I just need to lock you up so you don’t go near the water without me ever again.”

Quirking my eyebrow, I ask, “Are you worried for my safety, cowboy?”

“What can I say, you do something to me that I can’t explain…”

I hold my breath, the words he says starting to feel too real.

“When I hold you close, I feel no pain…” he says before he smiles wide, and I roll my eyes at him.

“Every beat of my heart, we got something going on…” I say, completing the lyrics to “Islands in the Stream,” even though other music blares around us.

“Do you always refer to Dolly and Kenny when you’re on a date?” I ask, given the last time we were here, the lyrics to the song were featured in our conversation.

“Weirdly, it only seems to happen when I’m with you.”

That has me smiling wider. “I’m glad I bring out the music in you.”

“You sure bring out something, baby girl.” His low and rumbly voice skims over my skin, making goosebumps break out on my arms.

I take a quick look around, wondering if everyone’s eyes are on us, because right now, it feels like we’re so into each other that it may not be safe for public consumption, but everyone’s smiling and having their own great times, not paying us any mind.

“What are you thinking about, baby girl?” he asks as the song slows, and he pulls me in tight to him.

“I’m just thinking about Whispers and how much I love it,” I tell him honestly, barely able to talk, and his smile is instant.

“Hmmm, I think Whispers looks good on you.” His hand grabs mine, and I don’t answer as I take in some breaths.

“You know what else would look good?” he asks, his gaze alight with a look filled with desire. It makes me shiver in the best way.

“What’s that?” I sound breathy, my heart racing.

“You naked, in my sheets, in about ten minutes. You want to go?” he asks against my ear, and I swallow as I nod.

I had a great night. Danced for over an hour, I think, and now as Connor leads me out of the bar, I realize I didn’t even have one drink. But as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking, Connor swipes two bottles of water from the bartop on our way out.

“You’re leaving so soon?” Tanner asks him as we walk past, a smug grin on his face as he eyeballs his son.

“Got better things to do,” I hear Connor say to him.

“Oh, payback is too good.” Tanner laughs, and I frown, not really understanding what they’re talking about, but with anticipation between Connor and me building, and the heat flowing through my body, I really don’t care.

Because Connor is dragging me out of here like the place is on fire, and I know exactly what’s going to happen next.

We both want it. And tonight, there’s no stopping us.

28

CONNOR

I’m acting like a goddamn fool, but I can’t stop. After practically dragging her out of the bar and putting her in my truck, we’re now home, at my place, and I’m pulling her inside.

“In a hurry?” she teases, a grin on her face, which has been there all night. With her hand firmly in mine, her steps are quick, keeping pace with my own.