Read Online His Kind of Perfect (Sugar Bay #1) by Kinsley Gibb - Free Book Online Page B

challenge, I’m
providing one.” She settled in place. “In fact, make this shot and you can name
an extra forfeit.” She grinned. There was no way he could make it with her in
the way.
    “Regardless of whether I win the game or
not?”
    “Yep. A completely separate deal.”
    “Deal.” He stepped closer, brushed against
her and crowded her to get into position. The spicy scent of him surrounded her
and because she couldn’t help herself, she took a forbidden breath.
    Maybe this hadn’t been the best plan.
    She straightened, her posture rigid, and avoided
any unnecessary touching yet he had no such qualms. Derek took delight in
torturing her. He leaned in, his shoulders brushing the front of her dress, and
the contact drew out her nipples, evidenced by the shamefully hard tips.
    A moan escaped before she could control it.
    He turned abruptly and sought her gaze. His
hot gaze singed her and she licked her lips in response.
    “You do what you have to do, and I’ll do
what I have to do.” With that he took aim and struck the ball with a hard
motion. The force propelled the ball to strike its target, and sent it against the
opposing rail before ricocheting back to the pocket adjacent to her.
    “Incredible,” she breathed. That shot
required more than basic skills.
    While her heart thundered in her chest, he took
his time uncurling to his full height. She watched as he put his pool cue on
the table, careful to keep it separate from the remaining balls in play. With a
determined look in his eyes, he caged her within the circle of his arms. She
shrank back, her balance precarious because she didn’t want to fall onto the
green felt.
    “Time to pay up, hot shot.”
    His eyes smoldered, the intensity within
them demanded her response. She couldn’t remain still and shifted against him,
keeping her knees together lest he catch her aroused scent.
    “Not until after.”
    “What if you’re a sore loser and try to
stiff me?”
    She rolled her eyes. “I would never.”
    “Come on…a little kiss, as forfeit.”
    Her grip on the pool cue tightened. She
couldn’t believe she was considering his request. Derek’s gaze remained hot and
steady as he waited. Each breath caused her dress to abrade her nipples, the
pointed buds stood at painful attention. She glanced around at the few patrons
scattered around.
    “You’re safe. We’re in a public bar. Not
much can happen.”
    Did that mean, had they been alone, she
wouldn’t be safe? She hesitated, the only sound
between them was the nervous bounce of the pool cue, evidence of her tension.
He placed his hands over hers and stilled the movement. He pushed her knees
apart and stepped between them. Her heart skipped a beat before it took off in
a pounding rhythm.
    “Are you’re reneging?” He shook his head in
mock disappointment. “Anabelle, Anabelle…” he whispered in her ear.
    She exhaled in a rush. “Okay then, one
quick peck.”
    “Hmmm…if that’s all you can do.” His eyes
mocked her. He’d heard her tirade today. He knew she wanted to break free of
the good girl expectations. “Come on, wild thing,” he whispered. They locked gazes,
a showdown of who would blink first commenced.
    She lost.
    Derek tugged the pool cue she kept between them,
but she refused to let go. Its presence served as protection. He smiled and let
her keep her delusions. Instead he leaned close, crowding her once again.
    “Your move.” He lifted a brow, his smile
daring her to make the first move.
    She licked her dry lips and his gaze darkened.
She inched closer and placed her free palm on his shirt. The cool, crisp cotton
contrasted with the heat that emanated from his body.
    The memory of a shirtless Derek teased her,
demanded that she satisfy her curiosity. There would be no other opportunity. She
pressed against him.
    His sharp inhale demanded her attention and
she caught her breath at the hunger in his heavy lidded eyes. He remained still,
his muscles locked while she