I can feel Blaze watching me but I keep eating, not looking back up at him and not really tasting the tacos anymore. All I can think about is Blaze. I can smell whatever body wash he uses from when he wrapped his arm around me. I remember it from when he showed up and saved me from Mike and I don’t want it to fade. I didn't get to see Mike’s reaction because I was so focused on Blaze pulling me close. Then he called me beautiful and I was lucky I didn’t explode in a cloud of glitter. I felt as though I might at his sweetness. This man is really too good to be true. I also hope that with how he’s acting, Mike gets the hint I’m taken. Not that Blaze and I are doing more than going to lunch, but having another guy around with me will hopefully steer him in another direction.
“You want more?” Blaze breaks me from my thoughts and I realize I’ve polished off my last taco.
My stomach’s full but I’m still hungry for something else—I’m pretty sure for Blaze—but I need to get back to my stupid job before too long.
“No, I’m good.” His hand comes up and then I feel his thumb swipe the side of my mouth. “Thanks.” I grab a napkin and wipe it all over so I know I got everything.
Blaze tore through his tacos and there isn't anything left on his plate or his face. He seriously left nothing behind.
“No dessert?” He nods toward an ice cream cart and I sigh.
“I wish. I need to get back.” He grabs my trash with his own and throws them away as I get to my feet. I really don’t want our lunch to be over.
“All right. I’ll take you back to work, but I get to take you for dessert later.” He puts his arm around me and tucks me close to his side as he guides me back to his truck.
“That sounds nice,” I agree. Now I really have something to look forward to and the excited butterflies are back.
He helps me up into his truck again and this time after he lifts me up, his hands linger on my hips for just a second longer than before. The heat that radiates through me from just this simple touch is almost embarrassing.
“I’ll try and stop texting you so much. I know you’re working,” he says when he gets in and begins to drive to my office building.
“No,” I rush to say, and his smile spreads. “I mean, it’s totally fine, you don’t have to stop unless you’re busy too.” Again I have to fight from turning red. Jesus, I really cannot play it cool. “I’m looking for a new job anyway. What are they going to do, fire me?” I shrug.
“You don’t like your job?” He glances over at me and his eyes soften.
I can tell Blaze loves his job and I wish I could say the same, but for the life of me I don’t know what I want. If anything, right now my mind is consumed with only Blaze. If being with him could be a full-time job, I’d apply.
“I don’t know what I want to do with my life, to be completely honest,” I admit.
“You’ll find it. Trust me, I’ve been there before.” He reaches over and takes my hand in his.
He gives it a squeeze before picking it up and kissing my knuckles. I let out a small sigh and I don’t know why but his words help me feel settled for the first time in a long time. He gives me this feeling of calm I’ve never had before.
All too soon we’re pulling up to my work and he’s jumping out to come open my door. He grabs me when I unbuckle my seatbelt and helps me out of his truck. My body slides down his as he places me on my feet and I gasp at the feeling of him pressed fully against me. I don’t have time to take it all in before he’s kissing me. It’s deep but soft and I get completely lost in it. I forget I’m standing outside my office building and people are walking all around us. To be honest, I forget what country I’m in and what my name is. And I don’t care. I push every thought away except how damn good this feels as I dig my fingers into his shirt.
“Tonight,” he says when he finally pulls back and leaves me breathless. I nod in agreement as I watch him physically force himself to take a step back from me. “Go inside before I snatch you up and take you home with me to have for dessert.”
My mouth falls open, and though it shocks me, it sounds like a wonderful and dirty idea. My face must show what I’m thinking because he gives my bottom a small smack that has me jumping and taking off toward the front door before he can snatch me away. I’m hot and excited and every part of my body tingles for that big muscled man with the baby face to come carry me away.
On the way back in I catch sight of a few of the girls standing outside watching me and I know from the looks on their faces they saw Blaze and me kissing. I hold my head up high as I walk past them and it takes everything in me not to tell them Blaze said he loves my blue hair. If anything, I should tell them thank you. If it wasn’t for their stupid prank on me I never would have met Blaze to begin with.
Chapter Ten
Blaze
I double over in my chair and
