Sierra had a weak stomach. I was going to have to remember that little detail for future torturing.
WALKING BACK INTO THE RESTAURANT with Dodge took every ounce of strength I had. The moment we stopped at the table and I looked down, I covered my mouth and ran back out the door.
Less than thirty seconds later, Dodge had me in his arms as he carried me to his truck. Burying my face into his chest, I slowly breathed in his scent. My stomach settled, but my heart took off in a frenzy.
Smiling slightly, I let it sink in. Dodge had me in his arms. What I wouldn’t give to have that every single day.
“Are you okay, baby?”
Oh God. I’d never let him know that moan was from him calling me baby and had nothing to do with the fact that I just puked my guts out in the parking lot of his mother’s favorite restaurant. Grabbing a hold of his shirt, I let out a moan. Chuckling, Dodge skillfully opened the door of his truck and placed me inside. Brushing the hair back away from my face, Dodge smiled. Feeling like a complete idiot, I shook my head. “I’m so sorry I ruined lunch with your parents and sister. Please go back in and enjoy lunch, I’ll just rest my eyes in the truck for a bit.”
Dodge’s eyes lit up as he looked down to my lips. Damn it all to hell. Why did I have to just throw up? I wanted him to kiss me more than anything. Tapping his finger on the tip of my nose, Dodge gave me a wink. “Do you feel like trying something else to eat?”
“Does it involve ripping any body part off of said food?”
Laughing, Dodge shook his head. “No. I promise.”
“Then I’m down for it.”
“Let me tell everyone we’ve had a change in plans.”
Nodding my head, I whispered, “Okay.” Shutting the door, Dodge ran back into the restaurant and was back in his truck in record time.
“I have a special place I like to go to that I have never told anyone about.”
Smiling, I felt a happiness bubble up inside of me. “Not even, Em?”
“Well, Em knows about this special place, but I sneak there so I don’t have to share it with her.”
“I feel so special right now,” I said with a wink.
Dodge started his truck and headed out of the parking lot. “You should. This is the best-kept secret on the island. I expect you to keep this to yourself.”
Using my fingers, I crossed my heart. “Cross my heart, I won’t tell a soul.”
Smirking, Dodge handed me a pack of gum. I took that as I hint and pulled out two pieces, but not before grabbing the bottle of water sitting in the cup holder and taking a few drinks.
Glancing over to me, Dodge said, “I’m going to need something more ironclad than just you crossing your fingers over your heart.”
Raising my eyebrow, I stared at him. “Is that so?”
“Yep. It’s that big of a secret.”
“Fine, whatever you want. Is it okay if we stop at a store so I can buy a toothbrush and brush my teeth?”
Letting out a chuckle Dodge laughed and pulled into Walgreens. Running in, I grabbed a toothbrush and some travel toothpaste. After paying, I made a beeline to the bathroom.
After leaving Walgreens, Dodge drove another five minutes. He pulled into a driveway that led to a little, white beach house. The flowers planted outside the house were stunning. In the back, I could see a garden that I was sure would be filled to the max with veggies come this summer.
Opening the truck door, I jumped out as Dodge walked up to me. “This is Minnie’s house. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember. She used to take care of Em and me when we were younger. Cleaned my parents’ beach house up until two years ago when she retired.”
Smiling, I looked back at the house. “The house is so charming. I love it!”
“You’re going to love what’s inside more.”
Before I knew it¸ Dodge had me pushed against his truck with his body pressed against mine. My chest instantly began heaving as I felt his tight body on mine. “What in the hell are you doing?”
Dodge stared me in the eyes. “I mean it, Sierra. You cannot tell a soul we were here. Especially, Em.”
Nodding my head, I whispered, “O-okay. I won’t tell anyone. But what if she asks where we—”
Dodge placed his finger over my lips. “Not a word.”
Dodge glanced down at my lips and I had never been so grateful for making him stop and let me brush my teeth. Holding my breath in anticipation for what I prayed Dodge would do next, I wet my lips.
Dodge pressed his lips against mine as I opened my mouth to him. His tongue slowly began to explore my mouth and it didn’t take long before I had my arms wrapped around his neck and I was totally lost in the kiss.