Page 61 of Truck Me

“Here you go.” I hand it to him but don’t walk to where he’s standing. I want to see if he’ll come to me.

I pull my lips between my teeth when he does. He stops right next to me—his body almost touching mine—before he takes the mug from my hand.

He holds my gaze as he lifts the mug to his lips. His tongue darts out and licks the top of the whipped cream before he takes a sip. His eyes fall closed and the groan that comes out of him is so erotic and seductive I have to squeeze my legs together to relieve the tension building there.

“Damn, Princess.” He licks his lips, still not opening his eyes. “This is really good.”

“Umm.” I clear my throat. “Thanks.”

His eyes fly open, and he stares at me for a moment. They dart around my face like he’s taking in my features for the first time. Then he looks past me and tilts his head slightly.

“What are those?” He points over my shoulder before he steps around me.

I follow his gaze and smile when I realize what he’s pointing at.

I step up next to him and say, “This is my plant collection. I have a thing for carnivorous plants.”

He looks down at me with something resembling a smirk on his face. “Why?”

I shrug. “Why not? Some people collect orchids or African violets or succulents. I collect carnivorous plants. I think they’re really cool. Like this one here. It’s a Drosera derbyensis or more commonly called an octopus plant. I had to special order her. She requires a little more care than the others, but she’s worth it.”

“Hmm.” His gaze intensifies. “You’ve surprised me yet again, Princess.”

“You say that like it’s an unusual occurrence.”

“It is.” His voice drops to a near whisper. “From my experience, people tend to be predictable. You, are anything but.”

He lifts his hand and rubs a strand of my hair between his fingers. It’s an innocent enough action, but it feels way more intimate than it should. I find myself leaning into him, and if I’m not mistaken, he’s leaning into me too.

I sense he wants to kiss me, and dammit, I want him to kiss me. I’ve been dreaming about his lips against mine again. Once wasn’t enough.

“What’s happening between us?” I hear myself say out loud even though I don’t think I meant to say it.

He stares at me, the lust and desire evident in the flare dancing around his dark pupils.

“I don’t know,” he says. His voice is rough like gravel.

I start to lift my hand to rest it on his chest when Rayne comes barreling into the kitchen. “I’m ready for my hot chocolate now.”

We jump apart, both of us startled by the interruption. I turn to her to find her leaning over the pot on the stove. She didn’t notice what was happening between us, which is good. I’m not ready to explain whatever this is.

Truth be told. I’ve no clue what’s happening. I’m in no position to enter into a relationship with someone. Not even a sexual one. My breakup with Brad is still too raw, too fresh.

I cannot be this attracted to Garret. I just can’t. Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll convince myself it’s true.

Chapter 14

The princess and the beast.

Garret

There’s a buzz in the air that has me on edge. It’s poker night at Posey’s Lounge. This night is always tense when both a Mutter and a Koch are sitting at the table. Tonight, it’s two against one. Me being the only Mutter.

But that’s not what has me on edge.

Charlotte just walked in the door with none other than Amelia Koch and her group of friends, Nova and Hadley.

What the hell is she doing with Amelia Koch? Were they friends back in high school? It’s not something I recall, but then again, she dated Tanner.