Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(28)

“I guess I don’t,” I admit, not sure how else to respond.

“Then don’t assume. I barely know you. It’s not like I’m going to turn around and start picking out my wedding dress.” Her tone is even and free of emotion.

“Fair enough.” I can’t fight the smile pulling at the corners of my mouth.

This girl is a f*cking enigma.

I just can’t quite seem to figure her out. At first, she seems quiet and timid like she’s afraid to let herself be seen. But the more time I spend with her, the more I’m realizing that there is so much more to her than that. Little by little I see the real Kimber, the tough untamed girl she keeps tucked away, shining through.

“Then I’ll ask, what is it that you want?” My smile only widens when she crunches her forehead like she’s really thinking about it.

“Well for starters, what does a girl have to do to get some food around here?” She hits me with a playful smile, completely eliminating the mounting tension with one statement.

I can’t control the laugh that escapes my lips at her comment. One minute I think I know exactly where this is going, the next she throws me for a complete loop. It’s refreshing to not know what to expect.

“I might know a place or two.” I grab my bag from the bench, throwing it over my shoulder. “But first, I need a shower.” I extend my hand to her which she willingly takes, allowing me to pull her to her feet.

****

“Good?” I laugh, watching Kimber eat the pancakes in front of her like she can’t seem to get them into her stomach fast enough.

I guess she worked up quite an appetite after our shower, her still damp hair evidence of how she let me take her against the tiled walls. Just the thought of her cries of pleasure and the sound of water and skin hitting skin makes my groin tighten.

“Oh my God, so good.” She laughs after swallowing down a large bite. “I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”

“I told you this place has the best pancakes.” I relax back into the booth seat as I take a long drink of my water, trying to redirect my line of thought.

“You weren’t kidding.” She lets out a deep exhale and pushes her plate away. “But I can’t possibly eat another bite.” She drops her napkin to the side after wiping it gently across her mouth, the action making me want to lean forward and taste the sweet reminisce of syrup left behind on her lips.

Tearing my eyes away from her mouth, I look up just in time to see the waitress returning with our check. Without even giving her the opportunity to set it into the table, I hand her a couple twenties and advise her to keep the change. The middle-aged brunette gives me a warm smile and then backs away with a nod, allowing me to turn my attention back to Kimber.

“You didn’t need to pay for me,” she interjects, her eyes darting towards the waitress who is already several feet away before turning back to face me.

“Isn’t that what a gentleman does?” I smirk when she narrows her eyes on me.

“There are a lot of words I could use to describe you, Decklan, but gentleman isn’t one of them.” She laughs when I fake offense.

“Ouch.” I hold my hand to my chest, just over my heart.

“Shut up.” She shakes her head, the cutest f*cking giggle making its way out of her throat as she pulls her phone from her pocket and checks the time. “I probably should be getting back. Harlee is probably wondering where I am.” She slides from the booth, waiting for me to follow her action before pushing to her feet.

“I’ll drive you home,” I offer, the thought of her having to take a cab this late at night all the way home not something that sits well with me.

“And freeze to death on the back of your motorcycle? No, thank you.” She shakes her head as she pushes her way outside, snuggling deeper into her sweatshirt the moment the cool night air settles down over us.

“Then stay with me.” The request leaves my lips before I can stop it and catches us both off guard.

Even though I desperately want to take back the invitation, I also can’t deny how the thought of her bare again, withering in pleasure beneath me, sounds too f*cking good to pass up; even if it is completely against my better judgment.

“It’s really not necessary. I don’t mind taking a cab.” She gives me a sweet smile.

I want to insist, force her to come back with me, but even I know having her stay the night is probably the last thing I should do. I already fear my actions are sending the wrong message but f*ck me, I just can’t help myself. This girl f*cks with my head.

“Not gonna happen.” I shake my head. “Come on, I can use Gavin’s truck to take you home.”

“Are you sure, Decklan? You really don’t have to.” She hesitates, clearly fearful that she’s putting me out.

Truth be told, I’m just not ready to let go of her yet.

“I know. I want to.” I hold my hand out to her, tangling my fingers around her small palm as I lead her the two blocks back towards the bar.

“Can I ask you a question?” I can feel her eyes on the side of my face as we stop just shy of the front entrance of Deviants.

“Depends on the question.” I spin to face her.

“Why didn’t you try to get in contact with me after last weekend?” She has trouble meeting my gaze as she mutters the question. “I mean, did I do something?” Her eyes finally find mine.