Page 84 of Here With Me

“You tryin' to give Mrs. Bridges somethin’ to talk about, ain’t ya?” I walk toward her.

She nearly spits out her drink but quickly covers her mouth. “At least that’d be newsworthy.”

Setting my beer on the counter, I stand between her legs, tilt up her chin, and rub my thumb along her lower lip where some of the liquid dripped. “Ya know, maybe she was just makin’ conversation and being friendly.”

“Oh, no. Sugarland Creek locals are gossips. It’s why Gramma Grace meets up with them for Saturday brunch. They talk aboutallthe town drama.”

“An old ladies’ club?” I grin. “That sounds hilarious.”

“Not when you’re thesubject,” she counters, putting her glass down. “And trust me, if I told Mrs. Bridges I was buyin’ beer for the new local farrier, who’s twice my age and my ex’s father, it’d be on the front page of Sunday’s newspaper.”

I lower my mouth, brushing my lips softly underneath her ear. “So what’d ya say when she asked?”

Noah cocks her head, wrapping her arms around my waist as I suck lightly. “Told her to mind her own damn business...in nicer words, though. I said a lady never kisses and tells.”

Gripping her waist, I inhale her shampoo as I bury my face in her neck. “We wouldn’t wanna give her anythin’ to talk about, now would we?” I suck harder, and she giggles.

“I can cover up a hickey with the right concealer and hairstyle, but your mouth would be more useful in other places.”

Chuckling, I bring my mouth to hers for a quick kiss but don’t deepen it. “Let’s go start the movie.”

She frowns when I create distance between us. My dick’s been hard all day, so if I don’t, it’d only take one moment of weakness to give in to what we both want.

“Yourmoralities”—she air quotes—“are a cockblock.”

Smirking, I grab my beer and her glass. “Bring the snacks.”

The only TV in her house is in the bedroom area, so I set our drinks on the nightstand, and once she comes in with the popcorn and candy, I press play.

“Anythin’ I need to know about this movie, or do I just dive in blind?” she asks, handing me the bowl and getting comfortable against the headboard.

“Nope, not tellin’ ya anythin’. I want your raw reactions.” I sit beside her so we’re shoulder to shoulder, facing the TV.

“Fair enough. Prepare for honest commentary.”

And not that I expect Noah to hold back, but she has a comment about everything.

The fashion, the hair, and how unrealistic it’d be that this storyline could happen in today’s world with all the technology and social media. And how a woman found at sea with amnesia would be plastered all over social media and talked about in podcasts. I don’t use or listen to either, so I just nod.

“Don’t tell me her husband cares about hernowwhen he’s the one who left her at the hospital?” She sighs, rolling her eyes. “He’s the worst.”

I mostly keep quiet, enjoying her critiques even if it shatters my ’80s-movie-loving heart.

“Oh no, the boys are gonna be heartbroken! She promised the little one she’d never leave!” She sits up and leans closer as she holds her breath.

“Then maybe I should turn it off so you aren’t sad.” I grab the remote as if I’m going to stop the movie.

“Don’t ya dare,” she scolds, reaching back and smacking my hand. “You got me hooked on this stupid film, now let me finish it.”

Holding back laughter, I move behind her with the little space between her and the headboard and situate her between my legs. Then I pull her back until she’s pressed against my chest.

“Should I distract you?” I tease, bringing my lips to the nape of her neck and blowing warm air on her cool skin.

“You’re not playin’ fair.” She shivers against me as her focus stays glued on the screen. “tryin' to seduce me now when I’m distracted.”

Chuckling, I snake my arms around her waist and slide my hands between her bare thighs. She’s in comfy shorts that rode up when she sat down.

“I dunno what you’re talkin’ about. I’m just kissin’ your neck.”