Page 23 of The Devil's Deceit

I run my tongue along my bottom lip, pleased when her gaze drops to track the movement. “Me too, Grace. Me too.”

We chat about nonsensical things over our drinks. As we get up from the table, Marshall opens the door for us. I rest my palm on Grace’s lower back, easing her outside. “Can I give you a ride anywhere?”

“No, it’s fine. I have some errands to run.”

It occurs to me that I haven’t even asked her what she does for a living. “No work?”

She shakes her head. “Not yet. I’m still finding my feet after moving back to the area. I have a little money to tide me over before I need to apply for jobs.”

“Well, when you are ready, let me know.”

“I’m not looking for favors.”

“And I’m not offering them, unless they’re of the sexual variety.” I grin. “But our businesses are large and varied. We always have vacancies and are constantly on the lookout for good people to fill them.”

“How do you know I’m good people?”

“Because I’m proficient at reading people, too.”

“Then, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you stalked me today.” I smile, and she does, too. “I don’t think I’d have left it much longer before calling you.”

“Same.”

Electricity arcs between us as we stand in the middle of the pavement staring at each other. Neither one of us seems to want to leave. I flick her hair over her shoulder and cup my hand around her neck, my thumb brushing along her jawline. She parts her lips, her gaze flickering between my eyes and my mouth.

I bend my head and kiss her. The moment our lips touch, a fire erupts within me. Groaning, I wrap my other arm around her waist and pull her closer to me. My dick butts up against her stomach as an intense heat rips through my groin. Her arms are trapped between our chests; her fists curled into the lapels of my jacket.

The sound of a car horn blaring shatters the spell. We break apart, chests heaving, our eyes locked.

“That was… unexpected.” She rubs her lips together, then touches them. Her fingers linger there, exploring the place where we connected.

I’m dumbfounded, unbalanced, reeling. I couldn’t namethe number of women I’ve kissed, but not a single one has left me feeling as though I’ll die without another.

“Is that good or bad?”

She swallows, her eyes large and luminous. “Oh, it’s good. Definitely good.”

“Let’s see if I can do better than good.”

Burying my hands in her hair, I tug her head back and move in. I’m not a flowery language kind of guy, but when our tongues touch, I swear, fireworks explode, the world tilts off its axis, and the normal rules of gravity vanish. I’m floating, lost in a haze of desire. Her arms lock around my neck, her breasts fused to my chest. She plays with the hair at my nape, her fingers featherlight. Everywhere she touches, goosebumps pebble my skin. This isn’t normal. This is… addictive. I need more.

“How was that?” I whisper, kissing along her jawline to her ear.

“I can’t feel my legs.”

“Good thing I’m holding onto you, then, isn’t it, Duchess?” I press our foreheads together while I get control of my breathing.

“Duchess? Have you promoted me?”

“Yes, because you’re worth it,” I whisper. “Truly, Grace, I could kiss you all day and it wouldn’t be enough.”

“Christian… this is… I’m not…” She growls. “Goddammit, I’m not usually this inarticulate.”

I chuckle. Her frustration is adorable, and I understand her bewilderment, too. What just happened between us doesn’t happen every day. Not to me, anyway. “If it’s any consolation, this isn’t normal for me, either.”

“It isn’t?”