Page 44 of Forbidden Kisses

She nodded.

Fuck, I shouldn't have been kissing her. She'd had too much to drink.

You only came here to make sure she got home in one piece, Duncan. To make sure she was fine, not to take advantage of her.

Fucking hell.

“Yes, although now that you’re here, I could be talked into staying. Actually," she said, clearly having a conversation with herself, "no, let's go home."

"I love the way you change your mind."

"I can't wait to be alone with you."

Christ, she was even more inebriated than I’d thought. Riley wasn't usually this forward.

You're the older one here, Duncan. You have to draw the line and enforce it, and you are the one who's sober.

"I'll take you home" was all I said. I put an arm around her waist as I led her out of the club and to the car.

"You're such a gentleman, coming across town just to pick me up."

"I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I was, but now I'm doing even better," she said.

As we walked, it became even more obvious that she had some issues keeping her balance.

"Did you drink any more since we talked? Because four tequilas shouldn't?—"

"I know," she cut me off. " I don't know why tequilas always made my knees weak. Or maybe that's you, with all those muscles wrapped around?—"

"Fucking hell, Riley," I groaned.

"Oh goodness! Okay. Let's make a deal. Let's pretend on Monday that none of this happened, okay?"

I laughed. "If that makes you feel better."

"It really does."

"Then sure."

She's working for you. She's younger. What the hell are you even thinking?

I helped her into the car, then went around to the driver’s side and climbed in. With a quick glance her way, I started the car and headed toward the main road.

I was certain that she’d fall asleep on the way, but she didn't. Instead, she simply looked at me and said, "This is so nice."

"What?"

She shrugged. "Feeling that you care enough to come pick me up."

I swallowed hard. "Of course I care, Riley. I want you to be safe." That contradicted my previous actions, since I’d mauled her right there in the club, but… "Whenever you need anything, just let me know."

"Why?" she whispered.

"You know why."

"Well, I don't. That's why I'm asking."