“That’s not exactly a thing I’m celebrating, you jerk,” I snap.
He grins again, eyes going right to my lips. “I can’t break your heart if you don’t like me. You like me.”
“Do not.” I press my lips together to hold back the smile.
His only response is to go right back in, like his plan is to kiss the anger right out of me.
I think it’s working.
Electricity arcs between his fingertips and my flushing skin as he strokes the side of my neck and throat. Without meaning to, I lean into his touch, my body well aware of exactly how good it would be to just give in and let this happen.
His lips leave mine, kissing their way along my jawline. When he dives into the hollow of my throat, I raise my head to let him in, luxuriating in his rough pecks and nibbles. I can barely force out words, but I try. “Tell me again you didn’t do it. Look me in the eyes and say it.”
He slides his hand down and up underneath my t-shirt, dragging the fabric with him until he palms my breast through the thin fabric of my bra. He traps the nipple between his thumb and forefinger, giving a light squeeze. I moan softly, unable to help it.
Nose to nose, he looks straight at me. “I. Didn’t. Do. It. I did, however, go back a couple days ago and find out they still had the thumb drive, which among other things, was full of Michael’s course work. I turned it over to the police along with a report of what happened. It might never go anywhere without more proof, but if you ever need to get a restraining order, it should help.”
I draw in a sharp breath, really not expecting that. “Oh my God! Why didn’t you just say that?”
“Because at first I was pissed that nobody believed me. I know I’ve pulled some messed up shit, but I’ve always owned it.”
That was true. I lean forward and kiss the side of his jaw, watching his eyes soften.
“But I talked to Dad, and then I realized I’d still fucked up. I could have gone to the police when he first called me. I could have grabbed someone to help when I saw him at the wedding. But I didn’t, and I have to live with regretting that my choices put what felt good at the time ahead of what was best for you, and that it fucked us up.”
“Declan...”
“Don’t get me wrong, babe. I don’t regret swinging that bat, or pounding his face in.”
My eyes go wide. “Bat?”
Oh. My. God.
“Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’ll probably always be the guy that doesn’t hesitate to take a swing, but if I want a chance at you, I need to be the guy who at least thinks about it first.”
“Like you thought about today?” It’s low but I can’t help taking the shot. I also can’t help leaning forward a little farther and nibbling up to his ear.
He chuckles, and we’re so close I can feel it rumble through me. “Today was for both of us. It started out for you, but I needed it too. And shit, I know I can’t make a habit of that, but it was a fucking blast. So what d'ya say? Have I earned a second chance?”
“It’s more like fourth, maybe fifth.”
“That sounds like a yes to me.”
I laugh. “Oh just shut up and get me out of here so we can make up already.”
He lets go of my wrists and tugs at my shirt. “No way, babe. I can’t wait.” In no time he’s exposed my bra and he’s working on getting the shirt up to my underarms.
I bat at his hands. “We can’t. We’re in a courtroom. What if someone comes in? There’re tons of people out there!”
The riot is still going on, a madhouse of yells and rumbles. Someone blows a whistle and the sound of heavy boots on laminate floors sounds down the hall outside. I guess the cavalry is on its way.
“That just makes it hotter,” he whispers in my ear.
I have to admit, he isn’t wrong. He rips off my shirt and his hands go straight to my breasts. I’ve missed this so much.
“You’re so fucking beautiful. I’ve been dreaming about you. I can’t get you out of my fucking mind, babe.” With a sudden movement, he pulls down the left cup of my bra, freeing my breast.
When his teeth lock over my nipple, I let out a sharp hiss. His tongue flicks over the tip, sending an electric current of desire racing through my shivering body. While his tongue works wonders, he liberates my other breast and I’m effectively topless in the middle of a huge courtroom.
As someone intending to go to law school, I have to admit this has always been a bit of a fantasy of mine. Still, it feels a little strange, and a lot scary. As if to emphasize the risk, someone thumps into one of the doors, shaking it and making me yelp.