Today, I am sharing with you a swoony excerpt from Melissa West’s upcoming release, No Falling Allowed, next in her No Kissing Allowed series. This book can be read as a standalone. Enjoy!
Excerpt
The slow, syrupy sound of “Tennessee Whiskey” filled the air, and I drew a long breath, released it slowly, and walked out from behind the bar, my body moving of its own accord, too connected to this person who’d invaded my world. Her eyes held mine, and each step became easier, more sure, until finally I stood beside her.
“Care if I cut in?”
Her partner pulled back to look at me, and I thought he might argue, when Grace said, “Sure.”
I stepped up to her, our bodies inches apart. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Me either. We’re so different,” she said. “Want different things. Live in different cities. And still…”
“I can’t stay away.”
As though my words mirrored her thoughts, Grace tilted her head up and took a step toward me, that sexy confidence of hers returning. I bet she’d had every guy she ever wanted, and while I’d had my share of women, I’d never had one like this.
In one move, I gripped her hips and tugged her to me, our bodies swaying together before either of us had consciously decided to dance.
“I do like you,” I admitted.
“I know.”
A chuckle broke free. “Damn, let a man feel like he’s got a little game.”
“Oh, you’ve got game. Take a peek around the bar.” She cocked her head toward the tables, all full. “Every pair of female eyes is on you. They never leave you. Everywhere you go, they look.” She lowered her voice, a hint at that self-conscious girl showing below the confident woman. “Every place you go, I look.”
I licked my lips and brushed her hair off her shoulders.
“We’re very different, you and me.”
“In a lot of ways, we are. But in some ways, I think we’re very similar.”
I considered her. “You’re leaving after Lindy’s wedding.”
Doubt crossed her face before she glanced to our left, spotted someone or something, and the hint of hesitation disappeared. “You know, Lindy told me about her father, about your parents. I’ve spent my entire life doing exactly what I was told, when I was told. I have never deviated, but in some ways, I feel like by following a plan, I’ve never lived.”
“What are you saying?”
“We’re not guaranteed any time, Noah. Why worry about the end? Let’s worry about the beginning.”
The band finished up “Tennessee Whiskey,” and everyone in the bar was well on their way to feeling the drinks in their hands. “What are you doing next Friday?” I asked.
“My best friend’s wedding. I’m renting a car and driving out there for the rehearsal and then the wedding on Saturday.”
I drew a breath and released it slowly, enjoying the way she edged nearer and nearer to me, like she couldn’t get close enough. “Or…I could drive you instead.”
The smile that stretched across her face made me wish we were alone so I could explore all the ways I could make it reappear. “You’re offering to go to her wedding with me?”
I stilled. “Um, didn’t really think that through, now did I? I meant that I would drive you, then wait for you in the hotel room, where I’ll happily allow you to take advantage of me whenever you like. You know, as a stress reliever.”
“Is that right?”
“Let me drive you, and you can find out.”
She considered me for a long moment, and I thought she might say no, but instead she said, “Okay, on one condition.”
I pressed a kiss to her neck. “Does it involve sex toys? Because I could get behind that.”
She laughed loudly, and my pathetic heart surged. God, what am I doing to myself?
“Tempting. But I was thinking you could come to the wedding with me. You don’t even have to wear a suit. They won’t care.”
“Hey, now, you’re not the only one with nice things. I own a suit.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Several, in fact.” I coughed. “I’ve just never worn any of them.”
“Well.” She rose onto her toes and gently kissed my cheek, my jawline, like she too couldn’t resist whatever this thing was between us. “Would you put one on and go to the wedding with me? It’s in Alabama, and her family’s super sweet. Oh, and Southern! Just like you.”
I grinned. “We’re not a cult, you know? We like people from other regions.” At her pointed stare, I relented. “Fine, we hate everybody else.”
“So you’ll go?”
The tension in her voice, with her body pressed so firmly against mine, won out, and I glanced into her eyes briefly before pressing my lips to hers. I intended to take a quick taste, a bite before dinner, nothing more, but the attraction between us had a mind of its own. Sparks and tingles and shit I’d never felt in my life zipped through me, and before I could worry about where we were or who was watching, I slid my tongue over her lips and dipped inside her mouth, enjoying her in a way I’d been too stupid to attempt that night. That night had been a thrill with an expiration but this? This was the start of something I might never recover from…
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No Kissing Allowed - Recommended Reading Order
(standalone stories with interconnected characters)
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Sounds like this needs to b read!