appeared, she wasnât unaffected by their chemistry. It sparked between them, filling the room.
âEveryone ready?â Maddie asked, then filed out of the kitchen without waiting for an answer.
He stayed in place, and everyone fled from the kitchen, except for Darcy who wouldnât back down from a challenge.
She shot him an exasperated glare and straightened, turning toward the swinging door, but, before she could leave, he snagged her wrist and tugged.
âCan I help you?â Her voice was haughty, but her expression flashed.
âYeah,â he said, tightening his grip. Pleased when she took a sharp, almost imperceptible breath. âDid you use the Mac Daddy today?â
Her eyes darkened. âIs that a proper question for a mayor and accountant to ask?â
âDid you?â He didnât divert. The images of her sliding a huge cock in and out of her pussy almost brought him to his knees.
âWhy should I tell you?â She smiled, and he caught it, that look. Flirty, defiant, challenging.
It made him hard, just like it had back then.
He slid a hand around her waist and pulled her close.
She gasped, flattening her palms against his chest. âWhat do you think youâre doing?â
He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, âDid you come thinking about me?â
âMy, someone has a healthy ego.â Her voice was low and smoky.
He nipped at her earlobe. âIâll take that as a yes.â
âYou would.â Her fingers tightened on his shirt.
His grip around her waist increased and he pressed an openmouth kiss to her neck, stroking his tongue along her pounding pulse. âYou know itâs just a matter of time before I fuck the hell out of you.â
âYou think Iâd have sex with you, after all youâve done?â Despite her words she was already melting into him and her body felt exactly right against him. A perfect fit.
He laughed, low and deep. âYeah, I do.â
âYouâre wrong.â Her body angled, sliding into a closer fit.
âTime will tell.â
She tilted her head back. âArenât you going to convince me? The Griffin I knew would have.â
âThat was the old Griffin.â He slid his hand through the silky strands of her hair. âThe more mature Griffin knows not to waste his breath on ridiculous, false statements.â
Her expression flashed with fire. âYou think itâs that easy? Steal my momâs house and Iâll just fall into your open arms?â
He let her go, stepping back. She couldnât quite hide the regret in the press of her lips. He crossed his arms over his chest to keep from reaching for her again. âI know youâre mad at me. I understand. Iâd be mad at me too. I also know you want me as much as I want you. I donât believe they are mutually exclusive.â
She curled her hands into fists. âDonât be reasonable.â
He took a deep breath and blew it out. Heâd learned a long time ago that temper solved nothing. Even when the other person was intentionally provoking him. He narrowed his eyes. âDonât pretend you actually care about your momâs house. Donât pretend you donât hate it and wish sheâd sell. Because I know the truth, Darce.â
âAnd what do you think you know?â Her stance turned rigid, all traces of lust and amusement draining from her face.
âYou hate this town and everything in it.â
âI love my mom.â
âI know you do, but donât tell me you canât see how a houseâtwo blocks from where she grew up, that isnât falling down around her, with everything brand-newâisnât the best thing for her. Think about it for a minute. She wouldnât have to worry about her broken-down appliances, the plumbing that doesnât quite work, the electricity that shorts every time you plug a hair dryer in. Or that she