Now that he was older, though, it seemed foolish to deny his feelings. And he’d give anything to see if they could figure out what they really meant to each other. He just knew he didn’t want to lose her from his life again.
And yet…there was one thing he wanted to do. He set down his drink on the table beside him and took her hand.“You know what, Heather Parker?”
She looked up and gave him a small questioning smile. But he could see something in her eyes. Probably the same thing she could see in his. A connection. A definite connection.
“There’s something I’d like to do. But I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t want to surprise you.”
She licked her lips and swallowed before saying anything.“And what is it you want to do?”But her face said she knew exactly what he was thinking. But of course, she did. She could read his mind, he’d swear it.
“I’d like to kiss you if that’s okay. No surprises this time.”He tucked a flyaway lock of hair behind her ear and held his breath, hoping he’d chosen the right time to take a chance. Then when she didn’t answer, he wondered if he’d blown it. Ruined the fragile closeness that they’d found again.
“I think—”She bit her bottom lip and looked away from him, staring out at the water.
He’d messed up. So much for being older and wiser. His heart plummeted.
She turned back to him.“I think I’d like that. A lot.”
His heart somersaulted, and he reached over and gently cupped her face.“Ah, Heather. Let me get it right this time.”He leaned closer and gently kissed those lips that he’d been staring at all night. Wondering what they’d feel like under his again after all these years.
Her hand slipped around his neck and he deepened the kiss as wave after wave of emotion flowed over him like the surf upon the shore, drowning him and yet saving him at the same time.
Heather clung to Jesse’s shoulders as if grabbing a lifeline. His kiss rocked her to her very soul as a cacophony of thoughts erupted in her mind. Her heart pounded so hard, she could scarcely breathe. Still, she clung to him. It had been a million years since she’d felt his lips on hers. Since he’d touched her face. Since…
No matter how much she’d denied it over the years, she’d longed for his kisses. But she’d made so many mistakes with him. So many choices that hadn’t turned out like she’d planned.
He finally pulled back, and she opened her eyes to see him still inches from her, a lopsided grin on his face.“That was nice, Heather Parker.”
“It—was…”She struggled to take in a deep breath of the salty air and calm herself. Would her heart ever settle back to a normal rhythm?
But Jesse gave her no time. He leaned in for another kiss. Then another. They sat out on the deck long into the night. Talking. Kissing. Holding hands. Catching up on everything that had happened to both of them in the last few years.
Although a clench of her heart reminded her that she hadn’t told him everything. Some things were just too hard to tell, to explain. She’d tell him someday.
Maybe.
Probably.
No, for sure she would.
But for now, she just wanted to revel in the emotions of the night. She’d sort out all her feelings soon. Go home and overthink things like she always did. But not tonight. Tonight she was just going to enjoy the kisses. Enjoy his fingers entwined with hers. It was enough just sitting with her head resting on his broad shoulder and feeling his fingers stroke her cheek.
And tonight, she hoped neither of them ended the night by saying it was a mistake. Because that’s what had started all the trouble between them…
Chapter 13
Jesse looked down at Heather, sound asleep, tucked up against his side. Tonight had been more than he’d ever imagined he’d have with her. And he sure wasn’t going to ruin things this time. There had been no surprise kiss. And he sure wasn’t going to say this had been a mistake. Because it wasn’t. Just a slow, easy evening. Kisses and talk. He could feel the dopey smile spreading across his face and didn’t care. He was happy. So very happy and content. Like pieces of his life were finally starting to fall into place.
She stirred in his arms, opened her eyes, and looked up. A sleepy smile crossed her reddened lips.“Sorry, I guess I nodded off.”
“It is getting late. Or should I say early? See, the sky is beginning to lighten.”
She looked at her watch.“Goodness. We sat here talking all night long.”
“And kissing,”he reminded her.
“And that.”
“I should take you home.”But he hoped she’d disagree.
