I pull my lower lip between my teeth, “There’s one more place I want to share with you, if you’re up for it tomorrow.”
A smile pulls at the corners of his mouth, “I don’t know, spending time with a beautiful woman is such a hardship.”
I laugh at his sarcastic response, and quip back, “Music man’s got jokes.”
This time he laughs, and happiness fills me. “You bring out a different side of me. And I would be honored to spend more time with you.”
By the time we get back to my car, the flower shop is closed and the sun has finished setting.
Holding my hand, Alek walks me to my car. The whole gesture makes me smile and I’m reminded of awkward teenage days when a boy would walk me to my door, not quite sure what to do next. But Alek isn’t a boy, he’s a full grown, sexy as hell man, and I know exactly what I want him to do as we stand beside my car.
His eyes skim my body as each of his hands entwine with mine, leaving us palm to palm.
His thumb caresses the sensitive skin inside of my wrist, the intimate touch makes my heart beat faster. “I had a great time today.”
I look up at him and smile, “So did I.”
Alek’s hands release mine, his arms winding around my waist as he draws me closer to his body. “I guess I should let you go.”
A smile teases my lips as I wrap my arms around his neck, “Yeah, you probably should.”
He raises a curious brow at me, “Does that mean I get to kiss you goodnight?”
“Oh, I certainly hope so,” I reply breathlessly seconds before his mouth descends on mine.
One of Alek’s hands moves into my hair, angling my head to deepen the kiss, while the other moves down along my body leaving a trail of fire in its wake. The kiss we shared earlier was slow and sexy, teasing and tasting. This kiss is full of heat and need and desire.
Alek’s heated fingers brush against the exposed skin of my thigh causing a shiver to ripple through my body and wetness to pool between my legs. Alek’s mouth abandons mine as he trails kisses from the corner of my mouth to my ear then down my neck. His hand kneads my thigh as it moves upward under the hem of my dress until it reaches the curve of my ass.
“Alek,” I pant breathlessly as my hand stops him from making any further progress, because as much as I want him, I’d rather not be laid out on top of my car, outside my business. His eyes search mine as my hand cups his bearded cheek. My lips tingle from the kisses we shared, “Well, that was…”
Alek grins and raises an inquisitive brow, “Unexpected?”
I smile as my thumb traces his bottom lip, “Maybe, but definitely not unwelcome.”
His grin widens as he leans in to kiss me again, “Good to know.”
When the kiss ends, Alek rests his forehead against mine, and I whisper, “I really should go.”
He nods and steps back, “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I think that can be arranged. Pick me up at five?”
He opens my car door and I raise up on my toes, dropping a soft kiss on his lips, which he eagerly returns.
“Good night Alek.”
“Good night Rose.”
Closing the car door, I start the engine and drive away, watching in the rearview mirror as Alek gets in his car and turns toward his hotel.
Chapter 8
Alek
The time I spent with Rose yesterday walking through the park, and telling each other stories of our childhood was something I’ll never forget. When the sun began to lower toward the horizon, we found a bench and watched in silence as it sank out of sight. Majestic colors painted the sky as Rose curled into my side, her head resting on my shoulder creating a moment I’ll relive in my mind every day while I’m on tour. I’ve only known her a few days and the thought of being away from her is weighing heavily on me.
When the sun disappeared from view, we walked hand in hand back to my car and I drove her back to the flower shop. That good night kiss we shared made it damn near impossible to let her leave. Thank God one of us came to our senses, otherwise I may have taken her right there against her car.
I take my violin from its case, place it against my shoulder and begin to play. I close my eyes and scores of notes drift in front of me. The composition is something I’ve never played before and I scramble to write it down before I forget. I play the piece repeatedly and tweak it until it’s perfect.
Once I have each note perfectly placed, I close my eyes and play through it. Visions of Rose fill my mind as I play. When I finish, a feeling of peace fills me, one I’ve not felt in quite a while. One that was inspired by a beautiful brunette, with eyes the color of melted chocolate.
I arrive at the flower shop a few minutes before five and make my way inside to wait for Rose. As the bell above the door sounds, Janet looks up and smiles from where she stands behind the counter.
“Alek, nice to see you again.”
I tip my head in her direction and smile, “Good afternoon, Janet. Nice to see you too.”
“Rose is just finishing up in the back; she’ll be out in just a minute.”
“Thank you,” I reply as I move over to the cooler and take in the arrangements Rose has created.
I only wait a few minutes before Rose appears from the back room. “Hey, you,” she says as she makes her way over to me. “See something you like?”
I grin as I wrap my arm around her waist, “I have my
