“My ex was great. We’d been friends for a few years, and she was there for me when my mom died, always offering a helping hand. We dated for six months before we mutually ended things. For her, it was because she realized something about herself I won’t share because it’s not my story to tell. For me, it was because she just… wasn’t the one.”
“How did you know she wasn’t the one?”
“She didn’t light me up or make my blood sizzle. I didn’t feel content just being in her presence, and I didn’t crave being around her every second of the day, even in what was supposed to be the honeymoon stage. We’d go days without talking sometimes, and when we’d come back together, it was easy, but I realized I didn’tmissher when we were apart. Maybe it makes me sound like an asshole, but I swear I had the best of intentions with her. In the end, after she figured out her stuff and told me, it made sense, and we agreed we’re much better off as friends.”
“I don’t think you sound like an asshole. I’m glad it was amicable, though. Does she live around here?” It’s really none of my business, but I’m curious.
“She does. She owns the bar in town.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” My voice sounds high pitched, so I clear my throat.
“I don’t hold any romantic feelings for her, Mikey,” Saint says softly.
“It’s none of my business if you do.”
“Isn’t it? You’re here in my house, inmyclothes, and you’re not at all concerned if I have feelings for another woman?”
I shrug, trying to put on an air of nonchalance. I can’t let myself be worried about his feelings because I can feel myself on the edge of the cliff about to fall for this man. “Nope. I’m here because you’re kind, and I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”
Saint chuckles like the sentiment is ridiculous to him. “Whatever you need to think to make yourself feel better, sweetheart. Now, my turn for a question.” He taps his fingers on the back of the couch before he hits me with, “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
I choke on my mouthful of water, sputtering out a raspy, “What?”
Saint moves next to me, rubbing my back gently. His hands are warm through my shirt, and I like it. Too much.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you choke.”
I’d like to choke on something…
“Just wasn’t expecting that question. But no, I don’t… I don’t think I believe in love at first sight. Do you?”
“Yes.” No hesitation. No thinking about it. Just absolute resolution in his voice.
When I risk glancing at him, his eyes are already roaming my face. My skin heats at his perusal, and when his eyes lock on my lips, my heart beats rapidly against my ribcage.
“Your turn for a question,” I whisper. I need him to move away from me before I do something stupid like lean in and kiss him.
“When do you think it’s appropriate to ask someone if you can kiss them?” Saint’s voice is barely more than a low murmur. Goosebumps rise across my skin.
“I don’t know. I think that’s between you and the person you want to kiss.”
He licks his lips, his eyes still locked on mine.
I muster up as much bravery as I can. “Do… do you want to kiss me, Saint?” Part of me is absolutely terrified I’ve misread this situation, but the way his eyes flare makes me think I haven’t.
“So fucking badly. Can I? Please?”
I nod, too scared to speak.
“No, Mikelle. I need you to say it. I need your sweet voice to tell me I can kiss you like I’ve been dying to for a year.”
What? A wholeyear?
I can process that later.
“You can kiss me. I want you to kiss me. Please kiss me.”
“Fucking finally,” he murmurs just as he cups my jaw and presses his lips against mine.
