“Come over after work. I’ll make us dinner. I’ll text you the address to my apartment,” she said unthinkingly.

Gunner gave her a slow, lazy smile. “That’s not necessary. I know where you live.”

“You do?” she asked, her heart racing a little faster.

“I trailed you at a distance the past three nights. The neighborhood you live in isn’t safe.”

Gunner had always been possessive. Should she get mad at him for only caring about her well-being? She didn’t refute his statement.

Paige knew what kind of neighborhood she lived in, but she couldn’t afford an apartment in the safer parts of town. Still, Gunner always seemed to know every little thing about her. Should that concern her?

“Paige, I need to confirm that you’re asking me out on a dinner date,” Gunner told her. That made her relax.

“I’m ready to take this to the next level,” she answered. “Part of me is saying it’s too soon, but I don’t want to regret missing out on what could be. You understand?”

“I understand very well.” He leaned over the counter, then tipped her chin using two fingers. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this moment?”

“This moment?” she asked, feeling stupid.

His face was so close. She was a little annoyed the counter stood between them, but that was all right. Gunner leaned in close and brushed his lips over her.

The kiss started slow. He explored her mouth at first, taking his time. God. She’d forgotten how good he was at this. She clutched the lapels of his cut and kissed him back fiercely. She wanted, no, needed Gunner to know she was no longer the apprehensive and unsure girl he’d known.

Paige had been a virgin when she met him. Gunner had taught her everything she needed to know about love and sex. She was no longer a passive participant waiting on him to do the next move. When he thrust his tongue down her throat, she sucked hard on it.

Gunner groaned when he parted from the kiss. “You’re worth the wait,” he said, peeling himself away from the counter. “I’ll see you tonight.”