Page 60 of Yours to Catch
Her jaw goes slack when I pop open her door. “Oh, my. Is this the sweetheart treatment?”
My commonly used endearment is a reminder that she isn’t just any woman. She refuses to be lumped in with the rest, not that I would ever do so. But her mention of my casual habits solidifies that I do the opposite with her.
I reach for Grace’s hand, peppering her knuckles with kisses. “This is the soulmate special.”
She allows me to guide her onto the sidewalk. “I’m a sure thing, bartender. You don’t have to put in extra effort.”
With a palm notched at the base of her spine, I set us in a forward motion. “That’s where you’re wrong. You’re the only one worth trying for.”
“Wow,” she breathes. Her eyes twinkle while she gazes at me like I’ve already satisfied her needs. “You’re totally getting laid.”
I bend to drop a kiss onto her lips. “Pretty sure you already confirmed that.”
“Doesn’t hurt to repeat the obvious for you.”
“What’re we waiting for?” I thread my fingers through hers, steering us to the cobbled path leading to our cozy destination.
“This is a nice block.” Grace’s attention sweeps across the manicured lawns and lush gardens fit for a magazine cover.
Dusk has arrived and delivered a cool reprieve from the summer heat. She snuggles into me to ward off the unexpected chill. I draw her closer without hesitation, a glutton for the warmth only she provides. Crickets chirp to serenade our stroll. The muffled slap from her sandals seems to echo in the stillness.
“It’s very quiet,” I observe.
“Everyone is across the street.” She nods in the direction of Wild West Days. “The fireworks will probably start soon.”
“Too bad. They’re gonna miss our private show.” Which is ideal. This sleepy section of town isn’t prepared for what I have planned.
As if listening to my thoughts, Grace giggles. “Aww, shucks. That’s probably for the best, though. I’d hate for them to be scandalized by our bang-a-thon.”
My shoe catches on a pebble and I stop us just short of the porch stairs. “If you don’t quit acting so damn cute, I’m gonna strip you bare on this grass.”
Her smile is coy and rimmed with temptation. “Good thing I already landscaped.”
“Fuuuuuck,” I groan. “Get your ass inside. This place better have an opening for us.”
Grace trots ahead, giving me a mouthwatering view of her backside. Her hips sway to a rhythm that throbs in my cock. What remains of the daylight glitters in her dark hair. I pause to collect myself before the scene unravels beyond control.
She twirls to await my approach. “Coming?”
“About to.”
I blow out a harsh exhale to douse the flames beneath my skin before climbing the steps. The lobby hours of operation are posted. There’s an hour left for us to get checked in, if we’re lucky. We pause to search for instructions before entry. Nothing specific is listed aside from when Butter Bread Inn opens and closes.
“Do we just… walk in?” Grace tries to peer through the stained glass.
“Only one way to find out.” I turn the knob and usher her over the threshold. “Ladies first.”
“Your chivalry is alive and well tonight. Such a gentleman,” she teases.
One foot through the door and it seems like we’ve traveled back in time. My gaze immediately zeroes in on the rainbow lamp dangling from the low ceiling. Colors burst in my vision as I peek around a corner into the reception area. There are too many conflicting patterns. It’s almost dizzying. Polka dot drapes frame the large bay window. I stare at the stripped wallpaper and the lines begin to blur. The blue floral upholstery on the couch isn’t much better. Fake flowers and fruit clutter every available surface, including a gold table that I’m certain my grandma owns.
Grace spins in a slow circle to marvel at the retro layout. “This is an adorable setting for our—”
“Don’t even,” I warn.
Her lips purse at my scolding. “You didn’t know what I was going to say.”
“I can just about imagine, and that’s plenty. My restraint is frazzled enough.”