Page 12 of Hooked on Marshall (Hooked #9)
The smile she gives me is small, but I’ll take it. Then I offer her my hand, desperate for the feel of her skin against mine again. Just before her hand touches mine, she turns her wrist to look at her watch.
“Shit!”
With that, she jumps up and attempts to rush past me.
But she trips. I break her fall easily, but when I pull her upright, her hands land on my chest as I hold her body close to mine.
Our eyes lock and I watch with delight as her pupils dilate.
Then I tighten my hold on her, enjoying how well she fits against me.
“Marshall,” she breathes.
My cock twitches in response. Her eyes lower and her hands fist my shirt.
“God, I love hearing you say my name,” I growl.
Her body goes lax in my arms. And when her eyes drop to my lips, I take that as an invitation for more. So, I happily give it to her. I bend my head as I slide my right hand up her back and into her hair. A soft moan leaves her and her eyes close.
Then I gently press my lips to hers.
This moment is everything.
Even though I’ve not had a steady girlfriend in the last six years, I’ve been able to sate my needs when necessary.
But this?
Even if I only have this one kiss with her, it will have been worth it.
And since she hasn’t pulled back yet, I take a chance.
Very gently, I coax hers lips apart with my tongue.
When she opens for me, I force myself to be gentle as I taste her.
When our tongues meet, she moans again. My cock thickens.
I kiss her for several long, delightful minutes.
When I finally pull back, I smile as I wait for her eyes to open.
“Oh, my God,” she breathes.
“You can say that again,” I tell her.
“Marshall,” she sighs. “I…we can’t…”
“We can’t what?”
She grimaces and shakes her head. But she’s still in my arms. So, I’ll take it.
“You barely know me.”
“I’m trying to change that,” I counter.
“But you’re my boss.”
“That’s irrelevant,” I tell her.
“But-”
“Are you in a relationship with someone else?”
“No.”
“They why can’t you be with me?”
She sighs and looks down. I wait for her response. But when she speaks again, it’s not an answer to my question.
“I need to get to work,” she says softly.
“Your shift is covered for today,” I tell her. “I wanted you to have the time off after what happened last night.”
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“If you need the money I’ll still pay you for the hours,” I say. “It’s more important to me that you’re okay.”
She shakes her head again. Then she steps back, and I reluctantly let her go.
“I really should get home.”
I nod. Then she goes into my spare room for her shoes and her work clothes from last night. When she’s ready, I lead her out to my Jeep. In just five minutes, I’m at the Alehouse. But I put my hand on Lana’s arm to keep her from getting out.
“I want your number,” I tell her.
“Why?”
“I have everyone else’s number, you know,” I explain. “But I never got yours.”
She nods. Then she pulls her phone out and curses under her breath.
“It’s dead.”
“Fine,” I say as I pull mine out. “Just put your number in and I’ll send you a text later.”
She nods and does what I ask. When she hands my phone back, I try a different approach.
“Can I take you to dinner tonight?”
“Why?”
“Fine,” I sigh. “I’ll spell it out for you again.
I like you, Lana. I want to date you. I want to be your boyfriend.
I want another kiss like we shared earlier.
And I want to know that you’re okay. And since you haven’t come right out and said that you’re not interested, I figured we could start with dinner.
I’m willing to take things slow, if that’s your issue. ”
“That’s not it,” she says.
“Then let me take you to dinner tonight,” I say. “Please.”
She looks down for a moment. And again, I just wait. And hope for the best.
“What time?”
“Whenever is good for you.”
“Okay,” she nods. “I’ll text you later.”
“Promise?”
She smiles at this. Then she looks back up at me.
“If I told you I wasn’t interested, would you back off?”
“Yes,” I nod. “I wouldn’t like it, but I’d leave you alone.”
She nods again. And I have to question her.
“Is that what you want?” I press. “For me to leave you alone?”
“No,” she says softly. “I’ll be in touch later.”
“Good,” I smile.
Then she turns and climbs out of my Jeep. I climb out as well and head into the Alehouse while she heads home. I send her a text so she has my number and pray that I can make some progress with her tonight.