“Absolutely.”
Shelby leaned closer, peering into his eyes. Was it just the beer talking? “So instead of me finding you another sex partner, you’re really going to give dating an honest chance?”
He pondered for a moment. Then he nodded sharply. “If dating can be like today, then I’m in! Let’s go, the game just started.”
***
Nick slid next to Shelby in the limo after they dropped Em off. Their next stop would be Shelby’s house.
Her pretty blonde hair fell over her shoulder as she texted on her phone, arranging a lunch date for him the next day. It’d be hard to top the evening they’d just had. He was still enjoying a happy buzz from trying to keep up with those ex-players who could really pack the beers away. But the best part was figuring out that Shelby was a true football fan. The way she’d gotten in Jake’s face and argued a call with him had been . . . impressive!
He needed to kiss her.
If the kiss was no good, then they’d just be friends. That’d be fine too, because Shelby was the first woman he’d ever wanted to be friends with. But mostly, he just liked being with her.
When the limo stopped, Shelby leaned through the window and had a quiet conversation with Sam before she opened her door. “’Nite, Nick. Bring Beth by the café around ten thirty, okay? Your lunch date tomorrow is with a woman named Lisa. We’re meeting at eleven thirty at a restaurant near her office. You’re driving us.”
“Got it.” He leaned forward and told Sam he’d be right back and then followed her. “Wait up, Shelby. A guy’s supposed to walk his date to her front door.” He caught up with her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “And then I should probably kiss you good night. It still works that way, right?”
Shelby frowned as she dug through her purse for her keys. “You’re on a football and alcohol high, Nick. In the morning light, you’d never want to kiss me.”
“Untrue. You are the most interesting and sexy woman I’ve ever met.” He brushed his lips against her cheek. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since the first time we met.”
“You’re drunk, pal. It’s impairing your memory.” Shelby shook her head and continued her search for the keys.
“Just a little and I’ll prove it. The first time we met, you wore a soft cream-colored top that gave just a peek at the goods, and dark pants that made your ass look fantastic.” He leaned closer and nibbled on her ear. “What are you afraid of, Shelby?”
He knew she was way too competitive a person not to take that bait.
“Afraid? I’m not—wait.” Shelby stopped her search for her keys. “You remember what I was wearing?” Shelby stared into his eyes, frowning, and hopefully considering. “Oh, all right Mr. Beer Goggles, give it your best shot!”
Thank God for her competitive streak. That’d probably make her fun in bed too.
He drew in a deep breath, grabbed her amazing ass with both hands, and pulled her against him. Then he leaned down and laid his lips on her full, soft ones.
Better than he’d imagined. Perfect fit.
When her lips parted, inviting him to take more, he did just that. His tongue caressed hers as his hand slid up her side and landed on her soft breast. When he gave a gentle squeeze, she moaned, dropped her purse, and threw her hands around his neck.
Shelby’s fingers sliding through his hair sent hot waves of desire racing through his veins, heating his blood. His mind floated somewhere it’d never gone before, somewhere warm and inviting and outside of his body.
But then she abruptly ended the kiss and pulled away.
She sucked in a deep breath and then licked her perfect lips, making him want to dive back in for more. As he started forward, she held a hand to his chest.
“Wait. Stop.” She blinked as if confused. “Okay. You’re pretty good at that, but I’m interested in Greg. A guy who wants what I want. A family and kids. So I can’t do this, Nick.”
Talk of husbands and kids was like a bucket of cold water crashing over his head, squelching his desires. Besides, he was a lying bastard and didn’t deserve her. He kept forgetting that part when he was around her.
“No, you’re right.” He backed up a step to regain his composure. No woman had ever made him feel like that with a simple kiss before. It couldn’t be good. She’d have him wrapped around her finger in no time. “I had a good time tonight. Thanks.”
He turned and started to leave but couldn’t do it. He needed something more. Turning back around, he wrapped her up in his arms and lifted her against his chest for a hard hug. Then he laid a soft kiss on her forehead. “A really good time. Thank you.” With a pat on her fine ass, he dropped her to her feet and said, “’Nite, Summer Sinclair.”