“There you go, Tots.”
“Tots?” She sounds amused, if a little breathless. “Taking liberties with my name already?”
“If that’s the only liberty you’ll allow me tonight, then I’ll have to make do.”
She says nothing, her breath hitching gently when I let my thumb stroke the soft skin behind her earlobe before slowly dropping my hand. Eyes the color of rich molasses hold me in their thrall. I get the sense I’m falling headlong into them without a hope of slowing down. She continues to study me, as if trying to figure me out. I hope she likes what she sees.
“You know what?” she whispers after a moment. “If I was a braver person, I’d be reckless and ask you for a kiss.”
My heart rate spikes as excitement pumps through my veins. I bend toward her, reducing the gap between us by a few inches, intrigued by the simmering hum of something invisible, but electric, unfurling between us.
“You know what, gorgeous? I’d really like it if you found it in yourself to be brave right now.”
3
ALIA
Warm green eyes lined with hazel twinkle under the string lights, watching me expectantly.
At one time, I would’ve leaned forward and done exactly what I’ve wanted to do since this incredibly attractive man showed up like an answer to my silent prayers. I would’ve pressed my mouth against his, let him put his large hands on my body, and allowed myself to feel desired for however long this interaction lasted.
Unfortunately, my reserves of bravery are running low. Namik’s derisive voice in my head jeers at me for wanting to entice a man so far out of my league when I’m lacking the means to take this to completion. Pun fully intended.
“Tots,” he murmurs, his gaze dropping to my lips.
Involuntarily, the spark of heat at the pit of my belly fires up once again, my mouth dry despite the water I’ve been chugging. Can I do this? Kiss this stranger who looks like he’ll give me something todream about? What do I have to lose except a little self-respect when I turn out to be a disappointing experience for him?
I gulp, lifting the bottle in my hand, only to realize it’s empty. “I. . . I need some water.”
Lies.I need help and someone to give me tips on how to kiss well.
He straightens instantly, giving me space I’m not sure I want.
“Would you like me to get you some?” he asks politely. I hate that I’m sending him mixed signals.
“Yes, please. Thank you.” I smile softly, hoping he doesn’t mistake my nervousness for disinterest.
“I’m going to milk your thankfulness by asking more questions. We’re not done talking yet, Tots.”
“Alia,” I blurt out, feeling foolish that I never introduced myself properly. “My name is Alia,” I repeat, extending my hand for a shake.
His eyes drop to my outstretched palm, lips twisting in amusement at my awkwardness. My ears go aflame. My flirtation skills are abysmal and I’m making a fool of myself by behaving like I’m at a job interview. I want to shrink into myself and crawl away.
Just as I start to pull back, his warm palm slips into mine, rough fingers curling in a grip strong enough to hold me captive.
“Alia,” he murmurs, his voice a deep rumble that makes my nipples peak, the flutters in my belly transforming into a sudden storm.
Aai shapath, that voice! It’s criminal, the way my body reacts to my name coming from his lips.
He lifts my hand slowly to drop a kiss on my knuckles. Sparks shoot up my arm when his lips make contact with my skin, the hair at my nape standing in attention. His gaze never leaves my face and it takes everything in me to not react and make a spectacle of myself. When the sides of his eyes crinkle and he chuckles softly, I know I’ve failed at seeming nonchalant.
“I’ll be back soon, gorgeous. Miss me,” he adds cheekily before walking backward, shooting me yet another devastatingly brilliant grin beforeturning away.
I stand there mutely for a good minute, my skin tingling with the aftereffects of a simple kiss, his voice playing in my head like a deliciously dirty symphony. Nervous laughter spills out of me and I bring a hand to my mouth to block it, unable to wipe the smile stuck on my face.
Maybe it is pathetic to be so affected by the attention of a good-looking man. Maybe it isreliefI’m experiencing, because I hadn’t turned him off with my diffidence.
Buoyed by this unexpected high, I giggle softly, my eyes drawn to the door he disappeared through. The man with a nickname which matches mine. Coincidence?Destiny, a little part of me whispers before I shake away that ludicrous thought.