Page 55 of My Undead Heart

“I don’t even know how that’s possible. You did good.” She sighs like it really does hurt to admit, but I’m thankful for her honesty.

“You make it easy.”

Her gaze snaps up and just like that the fire in her eyes appears. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I want to laugh because it’s almost too easy to rile her up, but that’s not my intent. I need her to understand how much today meant to me, too. How she affects me. “I enjoy your company. You’re smart. We laugh. It’s uncomplicated.” I shrug and it must be enough because her defensive posture is gone.

She nods once and her gaze lands on my lips. I’m almost certain she’s thinking about kissing me right now and that causes my dick to jump to life. If I could roll my eyes at him, I would.Talk about easy.

“It isn’t complicated with you.” The words leave her lips a murmur. They’re laced with so much naked honesty I wonder if she realizes she even said them.

It’s all I can do to not wrap my hands around her waist and tug her close. All of the push and pull today, the witty banter, the closeness, the building chemistry between us is about to explode. The desire I feel for her is more than a quick lay or one-night stand. With Mia I already want more than my four dates—three after this one officially ends.

She leans a little closer, her eyes hooded with what I imagine is longing, but she still won’t meet my gaze. Her tongue darts out to lick along her lower lip and only a weaker man would cave and give in, take what her body language is implying. But I won’t.

“Training Tuesday?” The words come out huskier than I intend. Her eyes flutter closed and it’s only then I realize my hand has found its way to her hip. Resting above the waistband of her jeans and against the soft flesh there, my thumb draws circles on her skin. Skin I dream of tracing with my lips and gripping so tightly my fingers leave prints.

“Hmm?” she says and leans into me, her gaze now at my chest and the white shirt that peeks from beneath my jacket.

“You still want to meet for training on Tuesday?” This time I’ve got my voice back, and my body under control. I drop my hand from her hip.

She blinks and takes a step back. “Yeah, Tuesday.”

“’Night, Mia.”

She opens her mouth to respond, her brows now knit and eyes cast down. I can’t read her expression and I wish I knew her well enough to understand its meaning. “Good night.” Her words leave in a rush and she turns, walking inside the elevator the moment it opens.

I hope I made the right move in not kissing her. I can’t tell if she was relieved or disappointed. I only know I didn’t want a repeat of Thursday’s rejection. That, and even though this is all a bet, I’ve never really dated. Not in the traditional sense, and I want to get it right. I’m attracted to Mia, have been since that morning at Zig’s, but after today my feelings have evolved. I don’t simply like Mia, I’m falling for her. I can only hope she feels the same, and I don’t scare her away. Pulling my bike away from the curb and riding back to my apartment, I run through the possibilities for next week’s date. One of them is tracing those luscious lips with mine. Damn, I’m almost giddy with the prospect. I don’t even care that I’ve got another week like the last one to get through. It’ll all be worth it in the end.