Protect Me by Lacey Black

then clear my throat. “I’m gonna head home and grab some shut-eye. I’ll see you later tonight,” I say as I head towards the door, decaf coffee in hand.  
    Lia follows close behind me. As I reach the door, I turn quickly and spill a little of the hot liquid on my hand, but I don’t feel anything. Lia is close. Damn close. I can smell the sweetness in her shampoo. I can see the heat burning within her beautiful eyes. And in a few nanoseconds, I’m going to taste coffee on her lips.  
    I slowly lean forward, inching my way towards her lush lips. Her eyes are locked on mine; intensity I can feel down to my toes. When my lips are just a breath away from hers, I hesitate slightly, giving her the chance to pull back. When her eyes flutter closed, I proceed with Operation Kiss The Shit Out Of This Beautiful Woman.  
    Her lips taste as sweet and as perfect as I remember. I keep my eyes open, watching and memorizing her movements. Her eyelids flutter as I devour her mouth. Her tongue snakes out to stroke mine. She purrs like a cat which causes my blood to boil and race south of my belt. I’m hard enough to hammer nails. This woman, this incredibly beautiful, sweet, and sexy woman is turning me inside out. And I fucking love it.  
    It takes all the strength I can muster up, but I pull back, eyes still locked on her stunning face. Lia slowly opens her eyes. She seems dazed and sways slightly on her feet. I reach forward and wrap my hand around her back, pulling her closer. Heat radiates from her graceful little body.  
    “As much as I’d love to continue that kiss, and believe me when I say, I’d love to fucking continue that kiss and maybe even try out the sturdiness of this countertop, I better let you get back to work,” I say as I push a silky strand of brown hair behind her ear. “I’ll see you later tonight,” I say just before leaning forward and placing a quick kiss on her forehead.  
    “Okay,” she replies, still dazed from the kiss.  
    I release Lia’s back and turn to walk out the door. I wait just outside until I hear her throw the lock before heading to my car. I forgot how uncomfortable it is to walk with a raging hard-on. I’ve spent plenty of time with women who all cause blood to flow to my dick. It usually happens later in the evening, though, when we’re heading towards the bedroom. But, Lia is the first person who causes a painful erection just by batting her long eyelashes at me. She causes a reaction in my pants, in my head, and in my gut like no others have, in a long time. Not since Jill.  
    I drop down into the seat and take another sip of coffee before throwing the car in reverse.  First thing’s first: sleep.  
    Second? Plan the best damn date for Lia.  
     
*****
     
    If I were to tell you I didn’t have sweaty palms and jittery legs as I walk up the metal stairs towards Lia’s door, I’d be fucking lying. I’m nervous and excited all at the same time.  
    I wipe my palms one last time on my khaki shorts before raising my hand to knock on the door. Lia answers right away, throwing the lock and pulling the door open. She smiles as she swings the door open widely for me to enter, and my breath catches in my throat. The heart in my chest speeds up and then tightens almost painfully. Lia stands before me in a light pink sundress and white strappy sandals. She’s drop-dead gorgeous. And tonight, she’s mine.  
    “Hi,” she says hesitantly. She’s nervous, I can see it on her face and hear it in her voice, which makes me even more nervous. Could she be regretting her decision?  
    “Hey,” I say as I step inside. “You look stunning,” I tell her as I lean forward and place a gentle kiss on her cheek. Her skin is smooth and warm against my lips. It makes me wonder what other hidden parts of her would feel like against my lips.  
    “Thank you,” she replies shyly.  
    “Are you ready?”  
    “Yes,” she says confidently with a slight smile, exhaling loudly.