Read Online Four Kisses by Bonnie Dee - Free Book Online Page A

usual stops.”
    “A visit to the aquarium’s not complete without seeing the jellies,” he agreed.
    Drake rose and so did Jen, shouldering her purse and walking beside him through the building. She recalled another stroll like this, on the boardwalk by the river in early spring. Even now she could remember the sharp tang of marijuana smoke and the feeling of Drake’s cotton shirt warming her bare arms. Funny how out-of-the-ordinary moments could leave a stronger sense memory than habits repeated every single day of your life.

    “What about you?” she asked. “You’re not seeing anyone, are you?”
    “No one steady. Just dates.”
    Meaning one night stands, she supposed. Did he imagine their coffee date might end up in the bedroom? He had to know she wouldn’t do that. But thoughts of two bodies thrashing together--sweaty, sticky, hungry--haunted and aroused her. Her libido was piqued by the idea of doing something impetuous. She’d been so caught up in work it had been far too long since she’d done anything with anyone at all. Why not Drake? It would be a fitting arc from first kiss to finally having sex together all these years later.
    Drake stopped in front of a tank lit by black lights. In their purple glow, the jellies drifted like lacy, ghostly shadows, tentacles swishing lightly to propel them along. He seemed transfixed by the sea creatures and Jen felt foolish for thinking his coffee invitation was all about getting her into bed. What the hell was wrong with her?
    She stood beside him, her excitement chilled, and lost herself in the jellyfish too, so soothing and peaceful.
    “You know what I miss living in the city?” she said. “Hiking in nature. Not the jogging paths in the park but real nature with mud sticking to your shoes, mosquitoes attacking and poison ivy to watch out for.”
    He chuckled. “Can’t say I miss the mosquitoes or poison ivy but I know what you mean. I used to practically live in the woods growing up. It was the only place I felt …
    content, I guess. It was sure as hell better than going home. Sometimes I’d make a campfire and stay there all night. Now I can’t seem to find the time to even drive to a nature preserve and the hike the trails.”

    A pang of sadness shot through her at his confession that he’d found the woods preferable to home. She’d always assumed Drake simply liked nature. As a girl, she’d never given any thought to other reasons he might have chosen to ramble in the woods or hang out down by the river.
    “We should go sometime,” he said. “To the state forest. Take a picnic and spend the afternoon.”
    Jen smiled. “I’d like that.” What was happening here? Was she agreeing to a second date when they hadn’t even finished the first one?
    As if reading her thoughts—again, he said, “That sounded pushy, didn’t it? I meant as two people who both like nature. That’s all.”
    “I know. It would be fun.” It was nice to have Drake sound uncertain for a change and for her to be the one to act casual.
    She moved away from the tank and headed toward the entrance. It was his turn to fall into step beside her. They emerged from the womb of the aquarium into the light of day. Rain still drizzled from the gray sky but it had let up a bit in the time Jen had been inside.
    “So what else do you like besides going to the aquarium and standing up for truth and justice?” Drake asked. “What kind of music or movies or food?”
    “I have eclectic taste in music but generally acoustic. I like comedies and dramas, action movies--not so much. And I like exotic restaurants so I can feel like I’ve visited a foreign country.” She pulled the hood of her jacket up to protect her hair from the drizzle.
    “What about you?”

    “Classic rock. Comedies and action movies. Any food is good.” He turned up the collar of his suit jacket and hunched his shoulders against the rain. Soon his black hair was slicked to his head. He looked like a seal. Jen