Page 113 of In Case You Didn't Know

“I like yours better.”

We both know I’m not talking about the shoes. But her words land squarely in my chest, hitting deeper than they should. I don’t deserve her. But I’m keeping her anyway.

She tips her head, a small smile playing at her lips. “You’re looking at me funny.”

My brow knits. “Funny how?”

“I don’t know,” she murmurs. “Like you’re trying to figure me out.”

“I’m trying to figure out if you’ll be annoyed if I cancel dinner and haul you back to my place,” I murmur.”

She grins, slow and wicked. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Our eyes lock. That slow burn between us flares like a flame to dry leaves. The restaurant around us fades to a blur. All I see is her.

“Want to get out of here?” I put it into words. My intentions very clear.

She doesn’t even hesitate. Just folds her napkin and puts it on the table. “So much.”

The waiter appears. “Just the check,” I tell him.

“Can’t we tempt you with dessert?” he asks, looking at our half-eaten plates.

I glance at Francie. Her eyes are still on mine, her cheeks flushed, lips parted like she’s already imagining what comes next.

“I’ve got dessert covered,” I say roughly. Francie’s lips twitch like she can read my mind.

The waiter blinks then nods and disappears, returning only moments later with the check. I don’t want to wait for him to run my credit card, so I throw a bunch of fifties on the table and reach for her hand. And as we walk away from the heater into the cool Manhattan night, she leans against me, her hair tickling my face.

“Just so you know, I really wanted dessert.”

My lips curl as I lean in close, brushing my mouth against the shell of her ear.

“You’re getting it,” I murmur. “At least three times.”

She lets out a laugh that makes my whole damn body tighten. And as the driver pulls up and I lead her to my car, I know exactly how this evening is going to end.

Not with groveling.

But with me showing her how I really feel. Even if I can’t say it yet.

FRANCIE

“Asher…”

My voice is breathless and ragged, like the sound is being pulled from somewhere deep inside of me. My back arches off the sheets as he thrusts again, slow, but unrelenting. The drag of his body inside mine is stealing every coherent thought from my head.

I don’t care that his ex turned up at our first date. Or that I’ll be facing my family with the truth very soon. I don’t even care that I’m going to have to tell Autumn the truth when she’s back.

All I can think about is that he’s holding me like I’m a goddess. He’s under my skin, etched into the softest parts of me.

He shifts slightly, the angle changing, but he’s still holding me like I’m something precious. My own hands scramble for purchase on his damp back, my nails grazing his skin. He kisses me. My mouth, my jaw, the slope of my neck. Like he’s starving and I’m the only thing on the menu.

He slides back against me, sending a shot of pleasure through my body.

“I can feel you everywhere,” I whisper, because it’s true.

His lips brush my ear. “That’s the point.”