Strangely Amazing

EXCERPT

Can a Negotiation Lead to Forever?

LILLY SHEPARD

Michael is quiet as we cross the near empty floor of the parking garage. He must pay extra to have all this space in this area of the City. I can’t swing my hand in the Mission without someone bumping into me. The same must be true for cars.

Maybe I went too far when I bit his neck. It was meant to be a sexier way of expressing my gratitude for him sharing Molly with me. After thirty-one years on this planet, I have yet to master the art of seduction. My teeth against his skin, while incredibly arousing to me, may not do the same for Michael.

I wish I knew what turns him on. This morning, I stood in front of him almost begging him to fuck me and he just smirked. Smirked! His morning coffee was more seductive than “string bean, Lilly.”

Ugh. I don’t want to mess this up. I like him. And with my liking comes a blast of emotions I haven’t felt in years. Emotions I pledged to keep locked away until I finished my PhD. I don’t want another relationship to distract me from my vision. Researching and developing pharmaceuticals to heal and eradicate disease is my life purpose. And I don’t do failure. But ditching a guy as great as Michael would also be a bright red F. I need to turn down my “fuck me” dial and try his approach. Less sex, more romance.

We arrive at the car, and he opens my door. And for a minute, we stand there. Unmoving.

“Michael…”

“Lilly…”

“You go first.”

“No. Ladies first. What were you going to say?”

I wrap my arms around his neck, dragging my fingers over his impeccably faded hairline. I love his height. Being a taller woman, it’s nice being with a man whose size makes me feel feminine. Almost dainty. Our frames are a total match.

Michael’s amber eyes hold me captive.

“Thank you for the groceries. I’m sorry about the bite. I’ll be better at controlling myself on our next date. Though in my defense, it’s difficult. You are fine as…. I mean, you are a very handsome man and I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. What were you going to say?”
Michael circles his arms around my waist. His hands cradle my ass, hauling my body against him. Umm. I melt into his torso like ice cream dripping from a cone.

“Lilly, I leave for L.A. tomorrow, and I can’t come back until the week after next. I want you to stay with me tonight. I don’t accept your apology about the bite. I liked it and I fully intend to bite you back when we get to my house. Not your neck, but between your thighs. I’ll leave my mark, so you don’t forget me while I’m away. After I’m done biting and sucking, I’m going to beat-it-UP so well, you will dream of me every night until I return.”

Michael’s words are self-assured and confident. Seduction done right.

I moan. My lips try to embrace his, but he retreats.

“Get in the car. Unbutton your jeans and let’s get this hand job out of the way. When you stop seeing stars, you’re going to say I’m your boyfriend.”

Michael releases me and strides around to his side of the car. I don’t move. I can’t. My mind turns to slush.

Smart Girl Mafia Series, Book #2
Copyright © Amiee Smith, 2018