It’s as sexy as hell.
“Actually, Major,” she says with a wicked smile, “I’m going to use you as inspiration. Yes, my next book is going to be about a big, grumpy Scottish army guy with a big cock.”
I choke on my wine, spitting it everywhere. I grab the nearest napkin to wipe my mouth. She bites her lip—again.
“Ms. Clark. I don’t think we know each other well enough for you to be guessing the size of my genitals. How do you know it’s big?”
“I don’t.” She shrugs innocently. “Call it writer’s prerogative.”
“And I am not grumpy,” I add.
Her whole frame shakes as she laughs. I narrow my eyes. “You’re looking damn grumpy now,” she points out.
The atmosphere shifts; the air buzzing. Her chest rises and falls. I can’t help but stare. My pulse hammers in my throat. She’s a magnet. I can’t look away.
I lift my hand, my thumb brushing her cheek. She closes her eyes under my touch. I lean in to kiss her then…
Baby shark
She startles, and I swear under my breath. Bloody Hannah, changing my ringtone. I scramble for my phone.
“Hello, who is it?” I hiss.
“Dad? Where are you? You’re thirty minutes late.”
I glance at my watch. It’s eight o’clock.
”Shit.” My focus shifts to the window, darkness. Jacob’s owner will think I’ve stolen him. “Sorry, sweetheart. Time got away from me. I’ll be with you soon.”
Hannah huffs loud enough that the phone hisses. She’s pissed.
“Don’t be long. He’s here again. Mum’s acting like a teenager. I’ll puke if they kiss again.”
I roll my eyes. Not what I needed to hear.
“An hour tops. Hold tight.”
She hangs up.
Katie is watching me, her eyes mischievous, a smile threatening to break free.
“Major McDonald, do you need a lift?”
She flashes me a breathtaking full beam, and I relax.
“That would be great, Katie. I forgot I have Hannah tonight. She’s not happy.”
She laughs. “I hate to tell you that pissing a woman off, no matter how old, is a dangerous game.”
Her tongue runs over her bottom lip. My body reacts instantly.
She knows it too. Her lips tilt in a slow, knowing smile.
“Grab your coat,” she orders. “Let’s go.”
I scurry after her like a recruit on day one.
The car is… barely held together. Scrapes everywhere, a smashed rear light, and a bumper ready to hit pavement. I reach for the passenger door.