Provoke

by Ava Harrison

The scent of scotch and mint infiltrates my senses, tumbling my stomach into a knot of nerves. Tingles race over my arms and down my spine as I look into the stormy blue eyes of the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. For a moment, I wonder if I’ve dreamed this. Conjured him into my mind, complete with the heated look he’s currently singeing me with. If I reach out and pull him to me, would he come willingly? Would he lay me out over this desk and have his way with me like I may have just been dreaming? I want that, even though I know I shouldn’t. “Don’t look at me like that, Raven. It won’t end well for you, sunshine.”

“What?” she asks, shifting on her feet. “Nothing.” “That’s not fair.” She giggles, sounding nervous. “What are you looking at? Do I have something on my dress? In my hair?” The smile spreads, and I can’t stop it. “I’m only looking at you, Raven. You look lovely.”

“Sitting next to you tonight, I had to let you know that you truly are my Rae of sunshine,” he whispers and places the sweetest kiss on my forehead.

If I were a religious man, I’d think God put her in my path.

“I believe you could be the woman who brings me to my knees. I could love you one day, Raven. Hopelessly.”