Lightning struck again, and they both jumped and then laughed. She was about to step back when Thario took her hand and lifted it to his lips. When he brushed the back of her fingers with his lips, she gasped.
“I don’t want to scare you away,” Thario said.
“I don’t want to scare you away.”
“How would you scare me?”
She shook her head, embarrassment causing even the marrow of her bones to ache. “I’m so inexperienced. I never dated.”
“I don’t need you to be experienced, I just need you to be okay with seeing me.”
She stared at him, wondering what he meant. “What do you mean?”
“I know your life has been different. I don’t want to scare you and make you think you have to move fast with me. I’m fine with us getting to know each other over time. I don’t need hot and heavy.”
Calla bit her lip as insecurities built. She didn’t know much about sex or guys or any of that stuff.
“I’ve never been with a guy. In fact, I’ve only kissed one guy, and we were young and he didn’t really know what he was doing. So I’m not going to be good at this.”
Thario ran his thumb over her cheek. "I'm not looking for someone who is a professional at that stuff. I'm looking for someone I connect with. I don't want to take advantage of you, though."
She shook her head, guilt washing over her. “You’re not taking advantage of me. If anything, I’m taking advantage of you.”
Thario leaned in so his forehead was against hers. "No, Calla, you aren't. I feel things for you. But I'm not even going to press for more. I don't want you to feel any pressure. You just left a bad situation, and you need to figure out your life."
Heat rose as an idea hit her. Would Thario be angry at her thoughts? She had dealt with anger for so long. It was the only emotion she'd seen from Brent.
“You look like you want to ask a question.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Go ahead and ask.”
“I was wondering if you would kiss me.”
His lips curved up, and he nodded. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I want to know what it feels like. It has been so long.”
“Okay. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
She shook her head. “You won’t.”
Thario drew in a sharp breath, then he moved slightly and was so close to her she could feel the heat coming off his body.
Her hands were shaking, and so were her legs. Fear and excitement combined. He was beautiful and amazing, and she wanted to feel him up against her.
Then his lips brushed against hers, and she gasped. It felt like he was going to pull back, so she grabbed him and held on, hoping he understood that she wanted him to stay close.
The kiss continued, and it was soft and gentle. His arms were around her, holding her close, but she could tell that if she pushed back, he would let her go.
Then Thario licked at her lips. Surprise sent tingles through her body, and she felt like fire zipped through her.
Then his tongue was in her mouth, and it was slow and yet so charged she felt like the lightning outside was lighting her up.
Heat spread down her chest to her center. She wasn’t sure what was really going on, but it felt like what happened to those women in her mother’s books that she’d snuck to her room to read.
Her head buzzed, and her body buzzed along with it. The kiss went deeper, and she had the urge to rip off his shirt and feel his skin.
