“I think you’re special.” His hand moved a little along the doorframe, and I became hyperaware of every inch of space between us. “I think you’re beautiful.”
My knees threatened to buckle. “And are you interested? I mean, are you sure you're interested in me?”
“Yes.” The answer came fast; there was no pause. “I’m interested in everything about you. I want to know everything about you.” He leaned closer. “I want to worship every inch of you.”
The air left my lungs in a rush.Everything.The word echoed in my head, bouncing around, refusing to settle. This was so far beyond anything I’d ever experienced. Derek never talked to me like this. Never made me feel like I was something he couldn’t live without.
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Okay?”
“I mean, yes. I’d love to go to breakfast with you.”
The words had barely left my mouth before he was kissing me. Not gentle… hard, demanding. My back hit the door with a soft thud as he pressed closer. He kissed me like he’d been holding back this entire walk.
When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. His forehead rested against mine, eyes still closed.
“Goodnight, Eunice.”
“Goodnight.”
I watched him walk down the hallway, disappearing around the corner. Then I fumbled the key into the lock, my hands trembling so badly.
Inside, I leaned against the door, fingers pressed to my swollen lips, shaking like a leaf in a winter gust.
What just happened?
Dating.He’d said dating.
Slowly, I slid down to sit on the floor. Every second of tonight replayed… every word, every touch. No one had ever made my heart jump like this before. Not once.
Oh my God. Is this real?
8
Eunice
DOM SAT ACROSS from me atWillow Bar, perfectly at ease in his dark hoodie, those blue eyes bouncing from my eyes to my hands as I fidgeted with my mug. Even in the daylight, he still looked intense. Still magnetic.
“So,” I started, then immediately regretted it. My voice sounded too bright, too high-pitched. “This is nice.”
Dom’s mouth quirked up at the corners. “Nice?”
Heat crept up my neck. “I mean... breakfast. Together, it’s…” I trailed off, taking a sip of coffee to buy myself time. The liquid scalded my tongue, and I winced.
“Easy, baby.”
Baby.The endearment sent cold prickling down my scalp, reminding me of last night, of his hands, his mouth, the way he—
“Tell me about your mom,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “You mentioned her yesterday.”
“My mom?”
“Yeah.”
I blinked, surprised by his interest. Derek never asked about my only family. “She lives in Albury Creek.” I played with the handle of the mug. “She worries too much. Always asking if I’m eating enough, staying warm.”
“Smart woman.”
