Page 22 of Dueling Flames

“Yeah.” I leaned against his shoulder. I’d been doing that more often, touching him more, being more affectionate. Now was not the time to figure out why. What was I thinking? We were friends. That’s why.

“My mom used to complain that I needed a goal in life. Then she’d hit me if I drank too much while she bitched at me.”

I looked up and pinched his cheek. “You probably deserved it.”

“You’re right. I did.”

We finished our beers in silence. I pulled myself up on my feet and got us some more.

“This a good idea?” he asked.

“It’s fine. We don’t work tomorrow.” I pushed a can into his hand and opened mine up as I sat almost on top of him.

“Careful.” He maneuvered me to the cushion. “You were so right about your parents. I figured you exaggerated a bit, but nope. They are old-fashioned. A lobotomy IS probably more fun.”

“See.” I drank half the can and leaned against him again. “Dey want me to live in a little box of what dey think a woman should be and ignore everything I’ve ever wanted to be.”

He wrapped a hand around me and rubbed my shoulder. “You can’t make everyone happy. So, focus on yourself and those that really love and care for you will show up.”

“Like Monica. She’s the only family I have dat doesn’t question my job. Well, her and my brother.”

He leaned his head on top of mine. “Like Monica.”

“And you. You’re my favorite partner.” I smiled. “I had one partner dat was awful. I hated him. Used to tell me what to do like I didn’t have a clue. He did it to everyone, like he was the boss or something. I still want to throat punch him.”

“Woah.”

I looked up to see Thorne’s surprised smile. “Let’s make sure you two don’t meet while you’re drunk. You might actually do it.”

“Yeah, I will.” I tried to give a little punch, but my arms felt weak.

He tried to take my beer away, but I tugged it back and downed the rest of the drink. He plucked the empty can out of my hand and put it on the coffee table. “I think it’s time for water.”

I leaned more into his lap. “Thorne,” I said softly.

“Um?”

“Thank you.”

He looked at me, his dark blue eyes searching for something. He finally nodded. “No problem. I told you I would help.”

“I mean it.”

“I know you do.”

I put my hand on his cheek. “I really mean it.”

He smiled. “I know.”

He looked so cute, his dark blue eyes looking at me while he smiled so sweetly. I felt his warm hand on my back. This is what safe felt like. He was only a few inches away. I needed him to know how much I appreciated him. I pushed forward and planted my lips onto his.

I swayed as the kiss ended.

“Lissa, do you know what you’re doing?”

I grinned. “I’m thanking you.” I kissed him again and this one lasted longer. He tasted of Old Style and red sauce. Who knew his lips would be so soft.

The kiss ended again, and I’m pretty sure he pushed me away. I frowned.