Kissing Her Crazy(29)

“Did he?”

“No, but what if he had?”

“He’s getting older, Lena. Someday he’s going to see you kissing someone. Unless you plan on staying single for the rest of your life.”

Lena closed her eyes and leaned her head back onto the couch. “No. I’d like to meet someone someday. But meeting someone someday in the future is a lot different than seeing your mom making out with some guy in front of everyone else.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. Does he like Elliot?”

“Yeah. He loves him.”

“See, no problem then. Maybe your someday is now.”

That thought sent a quiver through Lena that made her breath catch. There were a great many things about Elliot that Lena would love to explore further. But she had one very important reason to steer clear.

“He only loves him because Elliot is like a big kid himself,” Lena said.

“Ah. Well, that could be a problem. But only if you want to make it one. Just because you made out with him once doesn’t mean you have to start picking out china patterns. You’re on vacation. With a gorgeous guy who is apparently the best kisser you’ve ever been with. Which probably means he’ll be the best everything else you’ve ever been with, too. You think of that?”

Lena snorted. “Are you kidding? That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

“Good. So, go do something about it.”

“Like it’s that easy.”

“It is that easy, Len. You’re both adults. Just be up front that you’re not looking for anything serious and have yourself a little fun. You are beyond overdue.”

Lena flung her arm over her eyes. Overdue was a huge understatement. At this point, all Elliot had to do was wink at her and she’d probably come on the spot. “Yeah, well that’s my problem. He wants me to meet him in his room tonight.”

“Yeah, girl! Just make sure you bring protection. You’d be amazed how many guys assume the girl is on the pill or something.”

“Iris! Just because I’m going to his room does not mean we’re going to have sex.”

“Why the hell not?

“Because…” She sat up and curled her legs under her, rubbing her hand over her eyes.

“Great answer. Why else would he invite you to his room at night?”

“He wants to talk more about the ideas I had for his foundation.”

“Uh-huh, sure.”

“No, really. I believe him. He wants to pitch the idea to his parents, and they’re leaving right after the wedding so he needs to do it before then. He asked me to help him get things pulled together.”

“Yeah, sounds like a great excuse to get you alone in his hotel room, if you ask me. Even if it’s legit, you’re still alone in his hotel room. At night. In a room with a bed. Be prepared. Just in case.”

Lena’s mouth went dry. She could picture what might happen all too clearly, and her body was damn near screaming at her to let it. But wouldn’t that be irresponsible?

Finally, she sighed. “Nothing’s going to happen.”

“Sure. Just like nothing was going to happen in that hallway, right?”

Lena’s stomach performed a few acrobatics at the reminder. “I don’t want to go in there with a purse full of condoms. That feels like I’m planning to…you know…”

“Have sex?”

Was she a total chicken if she flinched? “Yeah.”

Iris laughed. “You can’t even say the words, Lena. You’re probably safe. But I’m firmly in the better-safe-than-sorry camp. It doesn’t take much to go from sucking face in front of a room full of preschoolers to doing a whole lot more in private. Especially, if the guy affects you as much as he apparently does, and most especially, if you are tucked away in a room at night with him. Trust me on this one. Just…be prepared.”

Lena laid her head back on the couch. “Okay, okay, point taken.”

“Good. Like I said, you are well overdue for a hell of a lot more to happen. You just need to get out of your own way and seize the moment. For once in your life, go enjoy yourself.”

The thought of Elliot touching her again sent a fine tremor down her body that was only partially about nerves. The man knew how to hit all her buttons. And she wanted nothing more than to have him hit them again. Repeatedly. Until she came, screaming his name.

She trembled as though his hands were already moving over her skin. “I’ll try.”

“My God, woman! Go get your vacay lay before you explode. Call me later. Gotta run!”

She laughed but Iris had already hung up. Lena shook her head and tossed her phone onto the couch beside her.