CHAPTER TWELVE

Payton

I broke the kiss and dropped my forehead to his arm. “Alex.”

“In less than five minutes, you’ve erased the fear I’ve had for years, babe.” He stroked my cheek. “I won’t apologize for kissin’ you.”

I met his eyes. “I was just telling you the truth. I do think Lily’s perfectly fine. If she wasn’t, I’d say that too.”

He kissed me again.

“Alex,” I said, smiling against his lips. “You can’t keep kissing me when I tell you the truth. Our mouths will be permanently attached if that’s the case.”

“Explain why that would be a problem,” he retorted.

“Just imagine trying to track down some bad guy with my mouth attached to yours.”

He grinned. “Minor point made… maybe.”

I rolled my eyes. “Do you need more examples?”

“I’m good.” He smiled at me. A smile that went to my soul.

“I need to go,” I whispered, shifting away from him.

He nodded and reached for my hand again. “Thanks, babe.”

I smiled. “Not sure what I did, but you’re welcome.”

He climbed from the cab, made his way to my side, and pulled open the door. I jumped down and grabbed my purse, hitting the trunk button on my key fob.

“Want some help?” Alex asked.

“No, I’m good. Just have to see if Macey left a bag,” I said, and peered inside. “Which she did.” I pulled our shopping bags out and then closed the trunk.

“Thanks for tonight, babe,” Alex said, and smiled.

“I’m always up for burgers and boats.”

He chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Will I see you before Thanksgiving?”

“Babe, Thanksgiving’s over a week away.”

“You say that like I’m not aware of that fact,” I retorted.

“Yeah, you’ll see me before Thanksgiving. I’ll call you.”

“Maybe I’ll answer.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’ll answer.”

I cocked my head. “We’ll see, handsome.”

“I’m gonna kiss you, babe.”

“Nope,” I said even as I raised my head.

He chuckled and bent part of the way, forcing me to stand on tiptoe to reach him.

“You’re a butt,” I said just before his mouth covered mine.

I found the bags in my hands obtrusive, especially since I wanted to touch him, so I dropped them to the ground and wove my fingers into his hair. I was grateful it was dark, but even if it hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have objected. There was something about kissing Alex James that made me want more. I liked him. A lot.

I forced myself to break the kiss, dropping my forehead to his chest. He pulled me closer, tugging gently on my ponytail. I raised my head so I could meet his eyes. “You’re still a butt.”

He chuckled. “Told you I was going to wear you down.”

“Hmm-mm. We’ll see.” I picked up my bags again and rifled through my purse for my keys.

“Sure I can’t help you carry those?”

I shook my head. “I’m good.”

“I’ll wait for you to get inside.”

“Okay.” I smiled. “Thanks for dinner.”

“Anytime, babe,” he said, and I let myself inside, leaning against the door for a minute to catch my breath.

I fired off a text to my mom to let her know I was home, and then one to Macey to let her know I had her stuff. Then I locked up, set the alarm, and headed to my room with a glass of wine. Time to process.