But she doesn’t.
So I lean a little closer, shuffling forward one step and threading my arm around her waist.
Tipping my head, I hold that kiss, and then something magical happens.
Her trembling fingers touch my neck, her thumb skimming my earlobe before she parts her lips and deepens the kiss.
My tongue acts of its own accord, brushing against hers with a gentle swipe. I can’t be demanding about this. Part of me wants to grab the back of her head, bury my fingers in those spiral curls, and take what my body is craving.
But I don’t want to scare her off, so I force myself to keep playing it slow, drawing out this tender kiss, a thrill racing through my body when her tongue slides against mine once more—a slow, easy exploration that’s sending my insides into chaos.
Fuck, she feels good.
I can’t help a soft moan as I pull her a little tighter against me, my fingers curling into the skirt part of this sexy dress.
She rises up to her tiptoes, her tongue lashing mine again, like she’s about to let go and throw herself into a make-out session…
But then she pulls back, pausing like she’s trying to decide something, before shaking her head and then lurching back even more.
Pushing her hand into my shoulder, she holds me at arm’s length yet curls her fingers into my jacket.
It’s like she can’t decide if she wants to pull me in or push me away.
I search her face, silently asking what she wants. Half of her is cast in shadow, the light over the park not enough to highlight her full reaction, so I hold my breath and try to figure out what to say.
But she speaks before I can. “I have to go.”
“Dani,” I croak.
“No.” She shakes her head, wrenching out of my arms. “I have to…” Her steps falter as she walks away.
“Please, can I at least… walk you home?”
“No.” She shakes her head again, picking up her pace. “I just… I have to…” With a soft whimper, she snatches her heels off the park bench and starts running.
I watch her go, tracking her movements until I can see her safely on the other side of the road. Her apartment is just around the corner. I’m confident she’ll make it there without a problem, especially at the pace she’s running.
“Fuck,” I mutter, gripping the top of my head, suddenly swamped by guilt.
I can feel Atlas’s presence all around me, like a shroud covering me from head to toe.
“I’m sorry, man,” I murmur.
As usual, I don’t hear any audible answer, just a feeling.
He’s pissed. He’s pissed with me because I kissed his girl.
“I’m sorry,” I say, a little louder this time. “I couldn’t help it. I just… I hate the idea of her falling for someone else, you know? And I swear, I didn’t even know I felt this way. And I definitely didn’t feel it when you guys were together. I swear, okay? I promise you, I never went after your girl. But… hanging out with her lately has been…” I glance up, wincing at the night sky. “I didn’t mean to do it. But she’s awesome. I get why you were so hung up on her. I mean, I think I got it then, but Ireallyget it now.” I sigh, palming the back of my head and staring down at the ground. “What should I do?”
I don’t expect an answer, yet still feel disappointed when one doesn’t come.
Why do I keep talking to him?
Why do I keep trying to have these one-sided conversations?
Why do I feel so damn guilty when he’s not actually here!
The idea hurts, like someone’s poking this festering wound with the tip of their sword.
