Page 91 of Last Date

He blinked at me. “There’s no rush, Kip. I’ll wait as long as you want.”

“I don’t feel rushed. I feel happy.”

“You sure?” He rose, the pulse in his neck beating fast. “I don’t want to do anything that scares you away.”

I took his hand and tugged him toward the hallway. “When have I ever scared easily, Merrick?”

He gave a husky laugh. “Never.”

I frowned because he was still dragging his feet. “Why are you stalling? Are you not interested?”

“Am I notinterested?” he repeated incredulously. “Are you insane? Of course I’m interested.”

“You seem to be hesitating.”

“This isn’t hesitation.” He stopped walking and pulled me against his body. The heat in his eyes reassured me he wanted me. “I’m savoring the moment, kid.”

I smirked. “I guess from your reputation, I expected you to be more of a Wildman Casanova.”

“Oh, really?” He arched one brow.

“Yeah. This tame version of you is kind of a letdown.” I grinned. “I was hoping for more passion.”

Without warning, he grabbed me by my hips and tossed me over one shoulder. Squawking with surprise, I pounded on his back, the blood rushing to my head.

“Let go of me,” I rasped, laughing so hard it was difficult to talk.

“Never,” he shouted, running down the hallway toward my bedroom. “You’re not getting away from me this time, Kip!”

There was no telling what my neighbors might have thought, should they have happened to be strolling past my home at that moment. But what they’d have seen was a window lit by a lamp and laughter drifting into the night from a home filled with happiness.

♥♥♥