Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(43)

After locking the door, Kingston walks me to the truck, his big hand on the small of my back. His warmth infuses me, but it does little to settle my nerves. Even the drive to the restaurant is uncomfortable, though I know it’s just me. I’ve been around Kingston for nearly half my life, yet being alone with him like this… I guess I never thought it would happen.

When he pulls into the parking lot of a small mom-and-pop place, I breathe a sigh of relief.

Kingston must’ve heard me because he laughs. “Relax.”

“Easier said than done,” I tell him, reaching for the door handle.

“Don’t move,” he insists before climbing out and walking around to my side.

I wait for him to open my door, but before I can climb down, he steps forward, inserting himself between my legs when I turn.

I peer up into soulful brown eyes, holding my breath as I do.

“I shouldn’t do this,” he whispers.

“Do what?” I can hardly breathe.

“Kiss you.”

Yes, you can. Kiss me. Please. Kiss me. “Why not?”

His eyes drop to my lips. “Because I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop.”

Who cares? It’s clear my inner hussy doesn’t object, but I manage to keep my thoughts to myself, waiting for him to do or say something. Preferably do.

“As much as I want to wait for the perfect time to do this…”

Everything seems to be moving in slow motion again. I feel Kingston’s hand on my cheek, his thumb brushing against my bottom lip. My gaze is locked to his, my heart is doing a jig, and my skin suddenly feels too tight. I try to focus on the feel of his thigh muscles against the insides of my thighs, but I can’t. I’m so wrapped up in the sensual scrape of his fingers against my neck as he moves his hand behind my head.

His eyes dart down to my mouth once more. “I can’t wait any longer.”

I don’t have the opportunity to sing hallelujah, because Kingston leans down, his lips resting over mine in a gentle kiss that steals the air from my lungs.

It’s hesitant at first, but as I inhale his intoxicating scent, my body takes over. He’s being the perfect gentleman, and it seems my inner hussy has decided she’s had enough. The next thing I know, I have slid my hands up to his neck, my fingers brushing over his short, silky hair as I pull him closer, my mouth opening.

Kingston’s wicked tongue dips inside, meeting mine.

It isn’t a greedy kiss. At least not yet. But good gravy, the man has a wicked mouth. It’s sweet and so damn sexy I’m tempted to tell him we should skip breakfast and just go somewhere private.

It’s possible that I’ve thought about kissing this man at one point—or several—in my life. The guy has lips that are made for kissing. Despite some of my more sex-starved fantasies, this is far better than I ever expected. Who would’ve known that the big, mysterious badass could kiss like a dream? I never want him to stop. Hell, I’m not sure I’d be willing to give this up for sex.

“Holy f*ck,” he whispers, pulling back for a brief moment to stare at me.

Please don’t stop. Please don’t stop.

Kingston’s head tilts slightly, and he leans in once more, his lips brushing mine, his beard sensually scraping my chin. I adjust my angle so that he can explore my mouth more deeply, opening for his tongue once more. Ho-boy. It’s quite possible I’ll simply cease to exist before he’s done. I can feel the passion of his kiss in my bone marrow.

Once more, he’s pulling back. I draw in air as his eyes rake over my face.

“You good?”

I manage a nod. But I’m not ready for him to stop.

I think he might’ve read my mind because he growls and crushes his lips back to mine. The kiss hits white-hot territory in a blistering second. I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk when he’s finished with me. I know I’ve slid down from the truck, but I’m not sure whether I’m standing or if he’s holding me up. Probably the latter.

God, he tastes so good. Masculine and hot.

His hand flexes on the back of my head as I shift so his mouth aligns perfectly with mine. There isn’t a second that Kingston isn’t in control of this kiss. As his tongue glides against mine, I manage to resist pulling his lower body closer so I can grind myself against him, somehow ignoring the desperate ache now consuming me. Seriously, even I know that I can’t give complete control to my inner hussy. It would be embarrassing.

A low growl emanates from Kingston’s chest, sending an electrical charge straight to my clit.

No doubt about it, the man could win a trophy for his lips alone.

When he pulls back, I’m breathing hard, but so is he. He doesn’t move too far, merely staring down at me with a wicked smile on his face.

“I’ve wanted to do that for sixteen years,” he mutters.

It takes a moment for my brain to process what he said. He’s wanted… Wow. Sixteen years ago would’ve been about the time we met.

I shake off the thought.

There is no way this man has wanted me for that long.

No freaking way.

Kingston takes a step back, seemingly oblivious to the crazy emotions racing through me at both his words and his kiss.

“You ready to eat?”

If you’re on the menu … yes.