“That’s me.” I point at the house on the end of the street. “You asked if I wanted a ride, not if I had somewhere to go. Life’s about the journey, not the destination.”

I turn my face towards him, tilt my chin down to meet my shoulder and bat my eyelashes. I know for a fact I look adorable. He glares at me, dumbfounded. I crank it up with an eyebrow wiggle and a wink. He looks away with a soft groan that says he’s more annoyed than entertained. This guy’s a master at non-verbal communication. He’s got more groans than Eskimos have ways to say snow.

He pulls over in front of my house, turns off the engine, saunters to my side of the car and yanks open my door.

“Such a gentleman, Big Man,” I tease, patting his chest as I slip out of the car. I let my hand linger on his firm pec while I stare up into those dark eyes of his. The cool night air turns molten between us. I’m desperate for him to kiss me and I have no doubt he knows it. My heart is racing, but his face is stone. I slide my hand down his stomach, delighting in the feel of his abs tightening at my touch, before letting it drop between us. We’re rooted in this standoff, a silent war raging between two near strangers. I break first. Letting out a puff of air, I shake my head and turn to walk up the path.

A deep grunt is my only warning before Devin’s firm grip spins me to face him, my chest crashing against his. He slips his arm around my waist, holding me there while his other hand slides to the nape of my neck in a gentle but possessive grasp. I pull in a ragged breath. Struggling for control, I grab the hard biceps of his arm around my back and hook my other hand on his wrist near my chin. If he lets go, I might crumble.

“You talk too much.” Dark eyes lure me in and warm breath tickles my lips. Devin’s mouth is soft but demanding when it meets mine. He tightens his grip on me. I moan when he plunges his tongue into my mouth.

His kiss consumes me. Every cell in my body explodes with sensation. The heat of his body pressing against mine scorches my insides. He devours every inch of my restraint and I melt into him. The world fades away and all I crave is more. I’m frantic. Desperate for more of this kiss. More of his touch. More of him.

He breaks the kiss as fast as he started it. I’m still in a haze when he drives off without so much as a goodbye.

Chapter Four

Jessie

“Better put that phone away before Mom sees you.” I skate past my brother Jake with a nudge. “No phones during family time.”

“Better mind your own business before you fall flat on your face,” he snaps in return, but he’s searching the ice rink for Mom. He spots her glaring and tucks his phone away. He catches up to me and we jostle back and forth, testing each other’s balance in that loving way only siblings do. My skate catches and I screech, almost falling. Jake laughs beside me. Ah, the joy of having brothers.