Page 9 of King

“We’ll have plenty of time for that,” Mia whispered back, her eyes filled with a mixture of passion and restraint.She needed to make King understand.“I need time to process everything, King.I’ve never been with anyone other than my ex-husband, and as much as I’m attracted to you, I need more time to get comfortable with it.”What if it was just all about the sex?

Would she be okay with that?

King released a heavy breath and nodded supportively.He reined himself back.“Of course, sugar.I wouldn’t want to rush you into anything you’re not ready for.”His voice was low and husky.“Just know that it’s going to happen.”

His confidence was staggering and sexy as hell.

Mia’s heart swelled with emotion, grateful for his patience and understanding.“Thank you, King,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his.He looked like a man on the edge, arousal stamped strongly on his chiseled jaw.

“Are you guys coming down for dinner or what?”Sammy called up to them.

Mia took a deep breath, willing her breathing to return to normal.“We’ll be right down,” she called back, her voice a little shaky.

King reluctantly let her go and left the bed, his eyes following her as she headed toward the door.Mia turned around and gave him a small smile, silently promising that they would continue where they’d left off soon.Once she was sure she wasn’t making a mistake.

Mia could feel her heart still pounding in her chest.She had never felt this way before, so consumed by an instant, overwhelming desire for someone.But she knew that King was different, and it wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought about him and what being with him might be like over the years.Everyone had that “what if” someone from their past.

King gave her a reassuring smile, and they both made their way down the stairs and into the kitchen.Sammy was standing at the crockpot, stirring the chili.

“This looks so good!”Sammy said, not turning around.“Sit down, you two,” she said, motioning to the table.“I’ll serve since Mia cooked.”

Mia and King sat, their eyes locked on each other.They couldn’t help but steal glances, their desire still smoldering just beneath the surface.Sammy spooned out three bowls of chili and brought them and a package of shredded cheese over to the table.Next, she brought the pan of cornbread over, setting it down on a trivet to keep from burning the table.

“Is that sweet cornbread out of a box?”King wanted to know, eyeing the pan of yellow, buttered goodness.Sammy had already cut it into neat squares.

“Blasphemy!”Mia gasped sharply, clutching her heart.She laughed after that.

“Mia makes it from scratch, just like her chili.”Sammy sat between them.“So, did you two know each other before today?”It came out as a casual question as she reached for a piece of bread.

Since she hadn’t addressed her question to either of them in particular, Mia explained, “We’ve seen each other in passing on and off through the years whenever I’d come home, but we’d never really connected until today.”

“Hmmm.”

There was her tell.That single sound warned Mia of so much.Sammy had questions to back up her suspicions.Once King was gone, she wouldn’t hold back.

Mia smiled.King winked.Sammy put a spoonful of chili into her mouth.It suddenly seemed that silence was the best course while they ate.They dug in, and other than an occasional compliment, the only sound was that of spoons hitting the side of their ceramic bowls.Mia’s mind kept wandering back to King, to the way he had touched her, the way he had kissed her and made her feel.

He’d awoken the lonely, unsatisfied woman inside her.No, that wasn’t right.He’d promised to satisfy that woman.

Once they’d finished eating, King rose from his seat, indicating that he had to go.“Dinner was delicious,” he said, meeting Mia’s eyes.“I hate to eat and run, but I have an early day tomorrow.”

Mia was disappointed that the evening was coming to an end, but it might be for the best, at least for now.“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she replied, rising to her feet.

She trailed behind him as they walked to the door, her thoughts already drifting away from him and towards other things less intense.She doubted she would see him again anytime soon, but that didn’t bother her.It would give her time to think.

King leaned down and brushed his lips against her cheek, sending shivers down her spine.“Until next time,” he whispered at the door.The dark, predatory look in his eyes mesmerized her as he leaned in and whispered into her ear.“Next time I won’t be stopping.”

Oh, my!

Mia watched King go with a smile on her face and something unexplainable in her heart, but it was the warning in her brain she heeded the most.She knew she needed time, but she also knew she wanted him, more than anything she had ever wanted before.

As Sammy cleared the dishes, Mia sat at the table lost in thought, thankful that Sammy was silent.She needed to figure out her feelings for King, to decide whether or not she was ready for a new relationship.But she also knew that she couldn’t resist him forever.The passion between them was too strong.She was almost worried about what their next encounter would bring.

Was it too soon to be thinking about being with another man?For some reason, the question she’d always put to her kids when they thought they had to have something bad came to mind.“Do you want it, or do you need it she would ask.They would stop and think about their answers.And that clarified her situation with King.

She knew without a doubt that shewantedhim.

She took a deep breath and made a decision.She would talk to him, tell him how she felt, and see where it led.It was time to take a chance, to let go of her fears and embrace the unknown.She deserved that.Smiling to herself, she felt a sense of excitement wash over her.