Page 51 of Finding Redemption

She leers in Reese’s direction. “The redhead.”

“What about her?” I seethe. Surely, she’s not saying what I think.

“Are you into the fat chick?” she spits at me.

“Ha.” My laugh comes out as a bark, drawing onlookers. Including Reese. She and Alden glide toward us as my muscles tighten.

“Are y’all laughing at the guy over there too? He’s too cute but gawky,” Reese says with a hint of twang. I’ve never noticed it before now.

“Not on your life, especially with this man in my arms,” Candy replies, sinking her nails into my arms.

“Oh, of course.” Reese blushes.

“Switch!” Alden says, and he grabs Candy, spinning off with her.

My mouth goes dry. Reese and I stand there, gazing at one another. I reach for her hand with my sweaty palm. She stares at it before looking into my eyes and shaking her head. “How about we talk?” She inclines her head at the doors leading to the veranda.

“All right.” I wave my hand in front of me. “Lead the way.”

“Let’s go over here, less traffic.”

I swallow hard and hold the door for her. “After you.”

“Thank you.” When she brushes past me, my lips part, my heart throttling my chest.

We walk to the end of the deck, where the ocean meets the shore. She stands facing the moon. She turns to me, and the stars twinkle in her eyes. Her chest rises and falls with rapid breaths.

“I’m nervous.”

“About?” I ask, fear rising in me.

“The case.” Oh. My heart plummets. “Tonight. This. You.” Her brows knit. She wets her lips.

“Me? You’re nervous about me?”

“Not you. Being alone with you.” Her eyes lift to meet mine, soft and welcoming.

“We’ve been alone before; did I make you nervous then?” I step closer to her.

“You’ve always made me nervous, Walker.” She bites her lip, and I can’t help but watch her run her tongue over her soft, crimson lip.

“I shouldn’t,” I stutter, my heart racing. “I’m nobody.”

She shakes her head before her words begin to fall from her supple mouth. “No, you’re everything.”

I take her in my arms, pressing our bodies together. Heat boils between us. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach. Before I can stop myself, my lips crash against hers. I lose control and part her lips with my tongue, sweeping over hers.

She gives no resistance as I take her, owning her the way God intended for this woman to be. Strong, yet fragile. She fits me in every way, her body curving into mine. Her lips mold to my mouth, her tongue giving way to the hunger mine has unleashed.

A torrent of emotion floods my body, making my knees go weak. Her hands press into my back, holding me to her. In an instant, I pull from her grasp. I struggle to catch my breath, staring at her for what she’s doing to me. She’s making me lose control.

I can’t do this.

I stare at her, fighting my resolve. Her chest heaves as she fights for air. “Walker?”

I shake my head, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “No.”

“I don’t understand.” Her brow furrows.