He nods.
I continue my work on his coveralls—coveralls.That’s what they’re called.
I unbutton the next, then then next, until I reach the spot just above where he’s bulging.
I look up. So does he. He’s mortified.
“It’s a good thing,” I say.
His lips curl on one side, then drop.
Suddenly I’m hit with a thought. “Clint…how old are you?”
He makes numbers with his hand. Twenty-nine.
He’s a year younger than me.
I feel almost embarrassed to ask him this, like I’ll be insulting him. But I have a feeling.
“Have you ever done this before?”
His Adam’s Apple bobs. Then he shakes his head.
Shit. “I meant sex. Have you ever had sex?”
Once again, Clint shakes his head. Then he writes in his notepad.
I’ve never kissed anyone before.
Oh God. I can’t take advantage of him. I move to back away, but he wraps his hand around my wrist. Not holding me there, but to get my attention.
But I know how it works,he writes.
“I don’t think I should be your first time,” I whisper.
His jaw works. Then he writes,I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do. I know you’re in pain. But don’t worry about protecting me. I’m a grown man.
He’s right. I’m infantilizing him. He’s intelligent. He’s receptive. He understands what I mean just through a few lip-read words and my expressions. He maintains this whole island and takes care of delicate things. He’s got books on his nightstand table—modern novels. He just doesn’t get out much. I’d have seen him on the mainland more if he did. He’s a recluse, not slow.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I know you can make your own decisions.”
Yes.He looks relieved. Not that he might get some, but that I understand him and respect him as a human being.
After a moment, he writes,What do you want, Maggie?
I consider that. How good it feels to be asked. Knowing, in my heart, that he’ll listen.
“I want to forget everything but this.”
He nods. Then he puts the notebook back in his pocket and tentatively lifts his hands, cupping my cheeks.
And this silent, strong man presses his lips to mine.
Chapter Six
It doesn’t feel like his first kiss. It feels explosive. Clint’s lips are soft and searching, then hard and desperate. His need brings fire to my chest; to everywhere, all over, all at once. Sensations of heat and need and…rightness, like this is the only place I should be, ripple through me all at once, threatening to knock me off my feet.
I need to get closer to him.
