Flirting With Forever (Dirty Martini Running Club, #4)

by Claire Kingsley

And said ass was still right there, in front of me. She hadn’t moved, just looked at me over her shoulder, her lips curling in amusement. Lips were nice too. Who was I kidding. She was fire.

Damn, that woman was dangerous. And I had a feeling she knew it.

“She seems nice. And Riley sure likes her.” “How do you know she’s nice? You just said you didn’t talk to her.” “She waved and it was a very nice wave.”

Dad-guilt was a thing.

Walked was not the right word. Nora Lakes didn’t walk like a mere mortal. But she didn’t strut or saunter, either. Her movements were more subtle than that, as if sexiness was simply baked into who she was, rather than something she was attempting to exude.

That man was an enigma. Rough around the edges but still hugged his mother. And his father. That had been a fascinating dynamic to witness.

Dex was out there, mowing his lawn. He was dressed in a shirt that wasn’t just sleeveless, it looked like he’d ripped the sleeves off himself. Jeans and sunglasses completed the picture. Casual, just shy of messy. He was probably sweaty and smelled like freshly cut grass.

Me: Do you want to jump Corban’s bones when he mows the lawn? Hazel: Certainly. Even better when he fixes something. Everly: We don’t have a lawn but I love it when Shepherd fixes things. Or when he backs up the car. Sophie: Oh yes. Backing up the car with his arm over your seat? The best. Everly: YES Hazel: I concur.

Deliciously male.

I knew men well enough to know when one wanted me—wanted me so much he’d already fucked me a dozen times in his imagination. I’d have bet anything that Dex had done just that as soon as he’d opened the door for me.

I certainly wasn’t one to chase a man.

Oh, he could run. And I certainly wasn’t going to force the issue. That wasn’t a good look on a woman any more than it was on a man. But I was right next door. And he was about to find out just how often his new neighbor could be in his line of sight. Teasing, tempting, flirting? I was an expert at those. I’d been training my whole life for this.

“Darling, when a man is out with you, you should be his focus. There’s nothing on his phone that’s better or more important than you.”

“You have to know your worth. A high value man knows how to treat a woman well, in public and in private. If he can’t be bothered to pay attention to you now, when you’re just getting to know each other, what’s he going to be like down the road? Or in bed?”

Once in a while, when I was holding little Ella, I’d experience the strangest twinge in the region of my ovaries. It was the oddest thing.

I don’t sweat, I glisten.

His protective streak was so hot.

He growled low in his throat.

I had a feeling he was going to own me.

I was Nora Lakes. Men didn’t scare me. Except I might have found one who did.

Good girl.”

I’d known she was trouble the first time I saw her. But I hadn’t realized how much. Now I was in over my head and I had no idea what I was going to do about it.

Riley, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t ever doubt that. Things with your mom haven’t been great and I know that sucks for you. But I’ll never, ever regret it. I’ll never regret having you.”

You can’t punish me for the sins of some asshole with a god complex who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.”

How about I tell you to leave and then you get up and storm out. But you don’t cry until you get home. Then you throw yourself face down on the bed and sob.” She stifled a laugh. “Oh, please. I’d at least down a shot of tequila before the sobbing began.” “Then what happens?” “You realize you shouldn’t have sent me away. That I meant my apology and risked a lot to be vulnerable with you. In your anger at yourself, you throw your phone against the wall and it breaks.” “Good one.” “It’s rather cliché.” “Yeah, but I like it. Then I come after you and bang on your door. Obviously it’s pouring down rain and I’m soaked.” “The rain is required.” “You come down and open the door for me and I’m standing there like a forlorn little puppy, dripping wet and sad.” “And I step out into the rain and I’m instantly as drenched as you.”

I touched her cheek. “We’re standing in the rain, both drenched. I cup your face and kiss you until you swoon.” “Swoon? Please.” “Oh yeah, you swoon and I catch you.” I brushed her lips with a kiss. “That’s the worst.” “It’s romantic. What’s wrong with a big romantic gesture?”

“I do like her. In fact, she made me the tiniest bit confused about my sexuality for a few minutes. Seriously, she’s basically a goddess.”

but the one guy was oddly persuasive. He kind of scared me but also turned me on a little bit.”

Seems that I’m special, since I warranted a visit from the husband gang.”

As for the future, we’d have to cross that bridge eventually. And it was a bit disconcerting, not knowing what I’d find on the other side.

I did love her. I loved the hell out of that fierce, confident, beautiful woman.

Did you just say you loved me?” he asked, the corners of his mouth lifting. “I did.” I glanced up, blinking at the rain. “Are we really declaring our love for each other while getting soaked in a rainstorm?” He grinned. “We sure are.” I groaned. “Dex, this is the worst.” “I know.” He kissed me again. “Don’t worry, a little romance won’t hurt you.” “Fine, but I’m not swooning.”

We. I never would have thought that simple word could mean so much or feel so right. But it did. This wasn’t temporary or fleeting. It wasn’t a pleasant distraction that would run its course. Dex was so much more. He was everything. And my heart whispered another simple word. Forever.

No suspicion necessary, love. And I know, you already told me, the women here are all married.” He rolled his eyes. “You could have thought of me when you put together the guest list, but I’ll forgive you this once.” “That’s very generous of you, Jensen.” “I’m a generous man.” “You’re a ridiculous man.”

“I’m going to marry you, Nora Lakes. That’s just what’s happening.” I will not swoon. I will not swoon. “Is that so?” His lips brushed my ear and his voice was a low growl. “You’re mine.”

Once upon a time, I’d thought I’d be forever single. I hadn’t counted on the gruff, tattooed man next door breaking all my rules. But he had and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. We were a family and we were going to be together forever.