Free The Do Over by A. L. Zaun Page B

his arms around my back and held me close. When his fingertips danced across my back, shivers ran down my legs as I let out a whimper. Instinctively, I held on to him, nestling my head against his chest. He smelled good, and he felt even better.
    He lowered his head and blew softly in my hair. "Let's get out of here."
    My heartbeat was out of control, and my breathing was rapid. What does he mean by that? I couldn't stop myself when he placed his hands on my waist and maneuvered me toward the exit. As we neared the door, he reached down and laced his fingers with mine. Squeezing my hand, he led me outside. Oh. My. God . His hands were strong, and his grip was possessive. I was on the verge of hyperventilating.
    Is this just mutual attraction, alcohol, or my repressed sexual tension? It was probably a combination of all three. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something very different about Liam Lucas. I liked him a little too much, and that thought scared me. As I followed him outside, I made the conscious decision to not go home with him, at least not tonight.
    We began to walk toward the boardwalk. The waves were crashing softly against the beach. Although the breeze was soft, there was still a chill in the air.
    "You look cold," he said as he took off his jacket. His eyes sparkled as he wrapped it around me.
    I snuggled into it. It was warm and smelled like him. "Thank you."
    "It's quieter out here. I meant it when I told you I wasn't going to let you get away." He led me to the steps that overlooked the sand and surf.
    We sat quietly for a moment. When he put his arm around me, I rested my head against his shoulder.
    He broke the silence. "I've been wondering all night which look is more beautiful on you."
    When he pulled his head back a little to take a good look at me, I bit my lip to hold back the smile, but I knew there was nothing I could do to hide the blush.
    "Is it the glammed-up movie-star look?" He motioned to my present attire. "Or is it the T-shirt with your hair piled on top of your head?" He resumed looking forward.
    Glancing over at him, I unsuccessfully tried not to stare at him in awe. I'd known him for less than a day, and I'd smiled more with him than I ever had with any other man. "Well, what's the verdict?"
    For a moment longer, he stayed still as though he was collecting his thoughts.
    It was a beautiful night. While the tide came in, the moon reflected on the water, casting a soft glow. When he looked over at me, our eyes met.
    Quietly, he responded, "I suppose, if I'm honest, it doesn't matter. I just want to see your smile."
    Leaning in closer, he looked down at my lips and brought his hands up to cup my face. When he gently pressed his soft lips against mine, it was tender and deeply intimate. He took my breath away, and my mouth parted slightly. I licked my lower lip. His mouth had barely moved, and the act alone was an invitation to a deeper kiss. His tongue teased my lower lip, forcing a smile on both of our faces, as the kiss became playful. Bordering on an explosion of passion, I reached up and tugged him closer as the kiss filled with desire. It was intoxicating.
    Pulling back gently, he leaned his forehead against mine. My eyes were closed. I couldn't open them. The rush I felt was unreal and new. I couldn't explain it, and I didn't want to. I was torn between giving into it and running away as fast as I could. My experience with men had left me jaded. Since I'd been unlucky in love, I was sure that there had to be something wrong with Liam Lucas.
    As he caressed my face with his thumbs, my fears seemed to fade away. I'd promised myself not to let another man break my heart. It was a promise I intended on keeping, but I wanted this, whatever this was.
    He kissed my forehead and then sat back. When I looked up at him, he smiled down at me. He tucked my hair behind my ears and softly touched my face with the back of his hand. He didn't take his eyes off of me. He leaned back a