“We got everything finalized right before I left.”
The latest project he’d been working on was a pain in the ass. The client was stressing him over small changes and insisting on functions that weren’t realistic or even necessary. He was glad he’d finally wrapped everything up today. Destiny was still staring at him worriedly, the dance music and atmosphere contrasting her anxious expression.
“Work is fine, love,” he said, kissing her chin, then her nose.
She automatically smiled at his touch, though a hint of concern remained in her eyes. She always worried about how much he worked, as if she could talk. She glanced around the steadily swelling room before looking at him again.
“So, can I have a ride? Lina ditched me for her boyfriend.”
He pretended to think about it and she swatted his shoulder as he laughed.
“You’re staying with me tonight,” he told her, his baritone deep. He let his eyes sweep down her body, before meeting her gaze again.
“Oh, really?” she said, arching an eyebrow at him playfully. “You can’t just dictate what I’m going to do.”
He slid his hands to her hips.
“I think you like for me to tell you what to do,” he murmured in her ear. He felt her melting against him and smiled, then kissed her ear. “Don’t you?”
She ran a hand up his bicep, circling her arms around his neck as she held the drink behind him, tilting her head up.
“No,” she denied, smiling.
He grinned and kissed the side of her neck. His hands slid to her butt, pulling her tighter against him.
“Yes, you do.”
She bit her lip and shook her head, fighting to hide her grin. Damn, she was so sweet and sexy. He wished they were alone now, not surrounded by a bunch of half-drunk art enthusiasts. He kissed the corner of her mouth but just barely. He knew he couldn’t push it too far since they were in public, but damned if he didn’t want to. He resignedly pecked her lips one more time and pulled back a bit.
“You see the piece Damari did?” she asked. Damari was a local artist and friend of Dorian’s who sometimes showed up at his notorious taco nights.
“Not yet,” he said, as she nodded toward the other side of the room.
She grabbed his hand, interlacing their fingers, pulling him along toward a large mural of children playing soccer painted on the far back wall. The mural was detailed and arresting, merging bright colors with calming lines and tones that should’ve contrasted each other but instead made the piece cohesive.
“Doesn’t this make you want to go to Brazil or St. Thomas or something?” she asked dreamily. She took another sip of his drink.
He nodded in agreement, studying the detail. At one time, he’d taken a real interest in art, especially acrylic. It’d always intrigued him, the patience and discipline it took to finish a work and the way it had to blend with creativity and open-mindedness. It was a curious combination.
“It looks like home,” she said, her voice still dreamy as she studied the painting. “Not literally,” she said, catching his skeptical glance. “But just the feeling, you know? Like you could live in this painting and never want to leave.”
“Yeah,” he nodded, watching her as she continued gazing at the mural. “Kinda reminds me of you.”
She gave him a quizzical look. “Why?”
“Because I could like, live inside of you,” he mimicked huskily, pulling her toward him and lowering his head to kiss her neck. “And never want to leave.”
She giggled as he tickled her neck with his lips, his stubble gently scratching her skin.
“Yeah right,” she laughed. “You’re so lying right now.”
“I’m so serious right now,” he countered, keeping his baritone low. “Next time I’m inside of you, I’m not leaving. Bet.”
He held out his pinky finger and her cheeks reddened as she laughed again, looking adorable. She shook her head at him and swatted his hand.
“You ready to go?” she asked, still smiling when she gazed up at him.
“If you are.”
She immediately nodded. “I missed you today. A lot.”
He grinned and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go find Dorian and Nathan so I can tell them we’re leaving.”
He grabbed her by the hand, leading her through the crowded space back to where he’d left them a few minutes ago. They were still talking with Fake Kerry Washington. The curly haired girl was standing next to her and her face lit up when she saw Brian approaching, but fell again when she noticed him holding Destiny’s hand.
“Tweet!” Nathan said, greeting her by the nickname she’d had forever, smiling broadly. She grinned back and slapped his hand in a high-five. She gave Dorian a half-hug.
“Where the hell were you?” he asked, eyeing her as he sipped his drink. “We’ve been looking for you for an hour.”