CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER NINE

JOSH

I leave Kim with a promise I plan to keep.

The thing seems to drag on forever. Throughout the reception, I never take my eyes off her. I pass some time on my phone, making arrangements for later. Now, everything is set up. I lean back and wait for the bride and groom to make their exit.

Ryder will be anxious to get his new bride alone, so it will be sooner rather than later. Speaking of Ryder, he takes a seat next to me.

“Do you have to be so blatant about the girl?” he growls. “If you’re not careful, Mom will be planning another wedding.”

I don’t comment. I would think he’d be too busy with his bride to notice me. I’m about ready to say just that, but he continues, “Zoey’s worried you’re going to hurt her.”

“I don’t plan on it.”

That’s the truth. I don’t need him or anyone else butting into my private life. I didn’t ask him about Zoey.

I stare straight ahead. This conversation is over.

“Okay, okay.” He stands in defeat. “I won’t mention it again.”

I nod and look around for Kim. She’s next to the bar with one of the bridesmaids.

Ryder leaves me and hunts down his new bride and drags her out the door to begin the honeymoon. I don’t know their exact plans, but they’ll be gone a week. It surprises me he’ll be gone that long. I didn’t think big brother could stay away from work for more than a day. Will wonders never cease?

As the bridesmaids watch the happy couple drive away, I slowly walk up behind them. Kim is going to bolt; I just know it. That’s why I’m standing behind her when both her friends walk off.

“You ready?”

She spins around, slack-jawed.

“You scared me.”

“Sorry.” I take her hand and guide her back inside.

I’ve booked a room. I didn’t presume we would end up in bed tonight. It’s for us to spend some private time together. I’ve even ordered snacks, and they’ll be waiting.

“Where are we going?”

“I have a room here.”

She tries to pull her hand out of mine at the elevator.

“I’m not sleeping with you. I don’t do that.”

I almost chuckle, but I don’t want to upset her. She might think I’m laughing at her. I knew when I met her, she wasn’t that kind of girl, hopping from bed to bed. She’s an innocent flower.

“I wanted somewhere private, so we could get to know each other.”

Most of what I’m saying is the truth. I would never force her, or anyone else, to have sex. But I do want to sleep with her. I want it so badly it hurts. And I have an inkling she feels the same way.

I give her space when we get to the room. Want her to feel comfortable with me.

“Do you want anything?” I ask.

“Water would be nice,” she answers and takes a seat.

I retrieve a bottle of Aquafina from the mini-fridge and give it to her, making sure she has to touch my hand when she takes it. A jolt of electricity scorches through me.

I sit in the sofa next to her. “Did you enjoy the wedding?”

It’s a good conversation starter. She takes a sip of water and recaps the bottle. Turns and looks at me. Squints. She’s so cute.

“The wedding was beautiful,” she says. “I’m happy Zoey found someone.” She stares down at her hands. Now she’s sad.

“Are you looking for someone?”

I believe all women want to find their Prince Charming. And that’s too bad. It’s stupid to expect a happily-ever-after. It’s better to not even try, then you won’t get hurt.

“Yes, I am looking for someone,” she answers. “Don’t know if I’ll ever find him, but ...” She frowns. “If it happens, it happens.”

“So, you’re not desperately looking for Prince Charming?”

She laughs. “No, I’m looking for his cousin, the bookkeeper. I don’t need all the glitz and glamor. I want someone reliable and solid.”

I smile while I reach over and pull her onto my lap. Her breath catches. I promised her I wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want me to. But the need to touch her is great. I press my lips against hers because I’m driven to do so. Almost on cue, she opens her mouth to let my tongue in. I pick her up and lay her on the bed, hover over her.

“Let me know if you want me to stop.” I kiss her again as I press my body down onto hers.

“No, don’t stop,” she replies.

So, I don’t.