“My own personal white knight stalker…”
“I’ll get a shirt made.”
I laughed, and he grinned.
I thought that maybe he was the most perfect just like this. I hadn’t realized just how close I’d gotten and he was right there—even though I was perched on his lap. And I kept finding myself touching him, reveling in the feel of his skin under mine. His eyes never left mine as I traced his features, a shiver rolling through him when they trailed down his neck. I…I think I could get lost in him. I didn’t think there would be anyone after Asher, but Lukas…I was starting to hope for something. He must’ve seen something flicker over my face, behind my eyes.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, his gaze searching for mine.
“Okay.”
“Aimee, about what you said before…” He trailed off.
I put my fingers over his lips, interrupting him before he could continue his thought. I found myself focused on the feel of his lips under my fingers. “I don’t think I’ll ever wholly not blame myself. I tend to shoulder a lot, I know this about myself. And it’s going to take a long time to break that habit.” I took a breath, coming back into focus. “After the accident…the world was not kind. People suck. They’re mean and when tragedy happens, they find someone to blame. People either looked at me with accusation written all over their face, or pity and both made me feel terrible. So incredibly small and at fault. Then the notifications started rolling in—social media made everything somuch worse. I…I never tried anything, but there were definite times where I just wanted it to all stop.”
I drew in a shaky breath, and watched as Lukas pressed his lips into my fingers. I hadn’t realized I’d left them there.
“I spent so many days just lying in my room, blinds shut, blankets pulled up over my head, sleeping and not talking. And then, I would see something that would remind me, and all the feelings would come rushing back. I aggravated my knee on multiple occasions and set my recovery time back each time. I was in a really dark place for a really long time.”
“And now?” he asked, his voice soft as he reached for my hand, moving it and pressing his lips against the center of my palm before pulling it away from his face.
His fingers were soft and gentle as he slowly fitted our hands together. They were strong and his palm warm. And I found that I liked it—the feeling of his hand in mine.
“It’s gotten better, but before we came here, things were feeling a bit dark again. My parents thought a change of scenery might help.”
I stared at the places our hands touched and a little thought wiggled into my mind. Sidetracking me.
Lukas shifted closer, and I bit my lower lip as he inadvertently pressed against me.
My heart beat a little faster and those butterflies flitted and fluttered up a storm, but the guilt never reared its head. Lukas had lifted something from me in showing me the video. Was I truly ready? Could liking Lukas, a guy I barely know be the right move? Was it just another way to numb myself?
“Aimee,” he breathed out.
Was this the right moment to play out the thoughts streaming through my head?
The way I wanted him to kiss me senseless should have me concerned.
I barely knew him, and he was a mess when we first met. But all I really wanted was for him to wrap me in his arms, to feel his hands pressed firmly and then skating up my back to haul me ever closer. To feel his breath on my lips, his lips pressing down, claiming, taking. I wanted his hands tangled in my hair, I wanted mine trailing all over his body, anchoring him to me.
He moved slowly, his fingers coming to my chin and he tilted my face up. My gaze raised and met his, and the heat burning there and the desire.
His other hand was still wrapped around mine, and he tugged me closer in a move I didn’t see, but felt as my body pressed into his. His hand moved from my chin, my breaths became shallow as he slid around. His thumb pressed into my jaw, and his fingers snaked and tangled their way into the hairs on my nape.
And yes. Oh, God. Yes.
I wanted him to kiss me.
“Lukas,” I whispered, my voice unable to go louder.
The heat in his eyes deepened, and the world fell away as he leaned in and angled my head to gain better access. I could feel his breath on my lips, the heat radiating off of him, and I wanted him to move faster, kiss me senseless.
His lips were almost on mine, the guilt was gone, no thoughts besides this impending moment crossed my mind.
And then, the door burst open behind us, and I jumped.
“Oh my God. I’m sorry,” Eloise shrieked.
CHAPTER 17
