Free Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5) by Violet Vaughn

he is. “How long ago did you graduate from college?”
    “My ten-year reunion is next spring. I’m old.” He flips my hand over and his thumb rubs against my palm, sending small shock waves of pleasure straight to my core.
    I do a quick calculation, putting him at thirty-two, and realize he’s closer to my mother’s age than mine. That should be creepy, but somehow it’s not. “You’re not old, just wise.”
    Neal’s voice deepens in tone, and he moves in close enough that I detect the faint odor of coffee and mint on his breath. “I’m not sure how wise I am.”
    I lick my lips, trying to tamp down the desire to kiss him, because surely he’s teasing me again. But he’s not, and his mouth lands softly on mine. His lips nip and threaten to devour me.
    Instead he pulls away slowly, and says, “Not smart at all.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. “I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t want to ruin our business relationship, Ruby. I’m sorry.”
    Don’t be! “It’s okay.” Hell, it’s more than okay with me.
    Neal’s brow is furrowed, and he shakes his head. I’ve done it again. I’ve made a fool of myself, and my face burns with embarrassment. Suddenly I think of Trevor and pull my phone from my back pocket to check the time. It’s one fifteen. “Crap! I’ve got to go.”
    I grab my coat and bag and race out the door. Jogging up the steps, I realize I didn’t say good-bye and turn to yell, “Thanks!”

Chapter 13

    TheBaked Bean is a coffee shop and deli. With hearty soups and stews, sandwiches, baked goods, bagels, coffee, and tea, it’s a local favorite. I run the two blocks to get there and am out of breath when I arrive. I push through the door and frantically search for Trevor.
    Sweat trickles down my back when I spot him at a table. He waves, and I walk over as my heart rate returns to normal. Sniffing, I watch his amused gaze scan me quickly. “Good to see you still operate on Ruby time.”
    “I know it’s hard to believe right now, but I’m much better these days.” He’s wearing a dark red fleece over a tight tee. My eyes get stuck a moment on Trevor’s defined chest. He certainly did fill out and in a good way.
    “It’s okay; I only got here a few minutes ago.” He’s smiling, and any concerns lingering from my dreams wash away. I smirk and say, “I’m going to go get coffee and cake. Want anything?”
    He glances down at his bagel and coffee. “I’m good.”
    I’ve been coming here for years and can’t imagine not having their German chocolate cake when it’s available. The moment I spot it I want to squeal. I opt for regular coffee to hurry my order along and am back with Trevor in minutes.
    Metal silverware clatters on my plate, and my mug thumps down. Before I manage to sit Trevor has swiped my fork and breaks off a chunk of cake.
    “Hey!”
    He shoves it in his mouth, and his eyes twinkle at my reaction.
    I say, “You’re mean.”
    He chuckles and hands me the utensil. I look at it as if I can see germs, and he says, “You’re not seriously thinking about another fork, are you? Because you’ve had more than my spit in your mouth.”
    My eyes widen as my jaw drops. “You didn’t just say that!” My face is flaming with heat.
    He leans forward and says, “You’re still so easy to tease. I can’t believe some guy hasn’t taunted the embarrassment out of you.”
    I find my inner sass and cross my arms as I sit back. “I do need a new fork. I don’t want to think of the places your mouth has been.”
    Trevor laughs and gets up to get me clean silverware. When he returns he winks at me. “You’re still adorable when you’re flustered. I’m glad I haven’t lost my touch.”
    I recall the numerous ways he would torture me, starting with the first time we met. “Unfortunately it’s the very thing that attracted me to you in the beginning. I know it’s your way of showing you care.”
    He grins. “Oh, yeah? See? You’ve been swapping spit