Page 26 of Rogue's Path

“He’s getting around to it.”

Is the silver fox right? “Are you?”

“That all depends on you.” Rogue stands up. “Do you want to kiss me or one of my brothers?”

Brothers from another mother is the only way these three are biologically related. “Well, one of them seems willing. He’s probably fairly decent at it too.”

“Yes, ma’am, I am very good at it.” The kid doesn’t lack confidence.

Rogue steps forward.

We’re playing a game, it seems. “Now I’m not sure. That’s a very tempting offer.” Rogue’s lips are the only temptation I see. They pull me towards him.

“I can see just how interested you are.”

His cologne wraps around me before his arms get close to me.

Fresh air and pine trees go stupendously together. Does that scent come from riding a motorcycle? Maybe I should try it sometime and see.

He stops close enough that our bodies would touch with the barest of movement.

Will he lean in first, or should I?

Manly men always seem to want to be the leader. The conqueror. Rogue, on a battle horse covered in chain mail and armor, would have made an intimidating picture with a fine black steed covered in the blood of all of his enemies. “I’m enthralled. But alas, the night is fading away, and my time is running short. Battle lines must be drawn. Games must come to an end. To the champion goes the spoils. Tonight, I shall triumph and celebrate mightily.” That shall be all the warning I give him. I tilt my head back and to the side as I lean forward.

Rough whiskers tickle my face before my lips reach his. Never having kissed a man with a beard before, a giggle escapes me. This alone is enough to make my night. But I have yet to conquer my dare.

One little mustache hair wiggles on my nose as our lips meet. It’s soft and sweet and oh so short.

“Do you call that a kiss?”

What! He didn’t. “Yes. I call that a kiss. By definition, kissing is the act of lips meeting.”

“Well then, I think we need to redefine the act of kissing.”

Rogue wraps his arms around me, pulling me tight against his body. Those whisper-soft tickles become rough even as his firm lips touch mine. The hoppy taste of his beer blends well with the lingering flavors of peaches and oranges. This kiss isn’t sweet, soft, or quick.

With one embrace, this man conquers my body and my soul. I lost this battle even though everything screams that I’m winning.

As fast as he enveloped me, he releases me, stepping back. “That is how we kiss.”

We kiss? Are we going to do it again? And again? Nope. A bad boy isn’t in my future. “Thank you for your assistance, gentlemen. I appreciate it.”

“So did we.”

The silver fox whaps him.

Rogue stays silent as I turn on my heel and walk back to all the women and Knight who are unapologetically staring at me.

Don’t let them see you sweat. I stop a little before the table and give them a cheeky little bow.

Laughter and applause ring out.

Distraction

Rogue

I shouldn’t stare at her as she takes her bow, but confidence like that is enticing. The view isn’t bad either.