Undeniably Yours (Torn, #3.5)(10)

She nudged my arm, matching my stupid grin. “Now you’re just being silly, Bass.”

“I’ll pick you up at five, Tuesday afternoon?” I couldn’t help it, I had to reach out and touch her face with my thumb, grazing that enticing bottom lip of hers that made me hard each time I gazed at it. When her lips softly parted, my eyes darkened with desire as I tried to control myself again.

f*uking shit. I hated this. I wanted her so bad, yet I had to hold back. I had never wanted a woman like this… and I couldn’t have her… not even a taste. Double damn.

“Bass…”

Crap, even her voice was so darn sexy.

Slowly lifting my eyes away from her lips, our eyes locked again before I went for the kill. “Did you love that guy you were with, Em?”

She looked nervous as she nodded. “Unfortunately, yes.”

I knew she had, but it was good to hear her say it to me. That way we didn’t mis-communicate. “I knew you did. I just needed confirmation. Thank you for your honesty.”

With a heavy sigh, I got out of the car and rounded towards her side of the door, opening it for her. She instantly took my outstretched hand and allowed me to help her out of the car.

She was staring at me like she was… fascinated. “Bass, I think you’re great, but I don’t think I’m what you’re looking for. Everything’s complicated with me right now.”

I did know and I greatly appreciated her candidness, again. She didn’t cower behind the fact that I could simply decide to walk away the second she told me that she wasn’t over her ex. Women chased me, so liars were always bountiful and I’d had more than my fill.

Emma Anderson, on the other hand, simply couldn’t care less that I was Bass Cole. My admiration grew. Holding up her chin, I forced her to look deeply into my eyes, hoping she’d see the truth in them. “Aren’t we starting out as friends as we agreed upon? Don’t worry, Em.” I gently kissed her forehead, breathing in her scent for a little bit. “Be ready by five come Tuesday afternoon. I’ll see you then.” With a quick nod, I slid back inside my car and raced into traffic.

I basically had over forty-eight hours left, more or less, until I could see her again.

But who’s counting the hours? I thought, grinning as I stepped on the gas pedal and shifted gears, using the full capacity of the car.





You Take My Breath Away



“Here we are,” I announced as I turned off the engine then gave Emma an encouraging look. She seemed to be on the edge. I wasn’t sure if it was this impending dinner or because of the incident that had happened in her apartment with her ex being there when I’d picked her up.

Apparently, Carter was Lindsey’s brother and he looked downright pissed at my being there. Actually, it was more like he resembled a kid who’d gotten his toy stolen.

I was competitive in all aspects of my life and normally I didn’t mind a little competition when it came to women. Heck, sometimes it made the chase all the more exciting, but… since Emma had admitted her feelings when it came to Carter, I stood no chance of winning. What I was doing now was simply taking a chance. If things didn’t come out my way, then I would be the one to blame, not her.

I snapped out of my reverie and got out of the car. An attendant immediately came over to greet me while the other held the door for Emma. “Good evening, Mr. Cole. I’m Steven, the attendant for tonight.”

“Thank you, Steven.” I handed my keys over before rounding towards where Emma stood waiting for me.

I could see her scan the place, her eyes absorbing every detail. I was expecting a nice compliment coming from her, not nervousness. She had me with her; she didn’t have to be nervous. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen. Looking at her agitated state, I was suddenly protective for some reason and felt the need to soothe her.

“Don’t be nervous; my godfather will love you.” My right hand nestled on the base of her spine as I guided her towards Martin’s palatial-like home.

Emma stilled, face evidently pale. “Your godfather? I thought we were going to Martin Lombardo’s house?” she asked in a small voice.

I had mentioned it, hadn’t I? “The one and very same.” Her shocked expression made me chuckle.

Martin was a good man; she clearly didn’t have to look like he was going to be a righteous *. He had always been very down to earth and didn’t use his name to pull weight around people.

“You’re godfather is The Martin Lombardo?”

Her screeching voice made me stop. I faced her and cupped her cheek, reassuring. “Listen, there’s nothing to be anxious about. I’m with you; you’re going to be fine, okay?” She gave a barely there nod as I softly pecked her soft cheek.

Her intoxicating scent bombarded my existence. It was as if nothing existed except us. Stilling, I inhaled her scent, breathing her in with rapacious hunger. Moving closer, I held her hips and enveloped her into my large frame.

Two days had been too long without seeing her.

When our bodies closed in on each other, I felt Emma slightly shake in my arms, just as affected as I was. This potent, sexual charge made me feel so damn f*uking alive. It burned into me, making my entire body feel as though it was on fire. Never had I ever felt this. It was as if life flowed freely all over my body, surging it with energy and injecting it with fire.