"What is it becoming?" I asked, drying my hands with a dish towel.
"Something that matters, I think."
My eyes dropped to her lips, and I knew she noticed because her breathing changed. I leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull back if she wanted. She didn't. Instead, she met me halfway, her hand coming up to rest against my chest.
This kiss was different from the first one. There was no adrenaline from the near miss with a truck. This was deliberate and unhurried. I took my time, learning the shape of her mouth,her taste, the sweetness of the iced tea she had with dinner. Gisselle's hand slid up to cup my jaw, thumb brushing the stubble on my chin.
I deepened the kiss, my arm wrapping around her waist to pull her closer. She made a small sound in the back of her throat, almost undoing my control. Her body melted against mine as if she belonged there. Maybe she did.
When we broke apart, her eyes opened, dark and wanting, making my dick twitch. For a moment, I considered staying. The way she looked at me made it clear she would welcome it.
Something held me back. Respect for her or moving too fast — whatever was growing between us deserved more than rushing. Gisselle wasn't someone I wanted to get out of my system in one night. She was worth taking the time to bond with and build something solid with.
"I should go. I have an early shift tomorrow," I said, my voice rough.
Disappointment flickered across her face, giving way to understanding. She nodded, her hand still resting on my chest. "Okay." Gisselle handed me the two clean plates after placing them in a plastic grocery bag. She followed me to the door, the charged silence thick between us. At the door, I turned to face her.
"Next time, I'm not leaving this early," I assured, my voice low with promise.
Her eyes widened, and her lips parted. "Is that right, Lieutenant?"
"That's right." I brushed my thumb across her lower lip, savoring her sharp intake of breath.
I forced myself to step back, open the door, and do the responsible thing, even as every instinct in me wanted to stay.
Gisselle leaned against the doorframe. "Thank you again for dinner."
"Thank you for the company," I replied, wondering when I could see her again.
I felt her eyes on me as I exited. I glanced back to find her still watching, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Something expanded in my chest, and whatever it was followed me all the way home.
Four days had passedsince our mini-golf date and impromptu dinner at my place. My mind drifted back to Liam's arms around my waist, his lips on mine, and the way he looked at me before his promise. "Next time, I'm not leaving this early."We'd texted every day since, but our schedules hadn't aligned for another meet-up yet.
I refocused my attention on the inspection checklist. The community center's main entrance had given me hell for three days, but today my mind refused to cooperate at all. I flipped to a fresh page. After all, I had a reputation to build. I had come to Goodwin Grove for a fresh start, personally and professionally. After Shelton left me doubting my own talent, I promised myself I would focus on my career first — no distractions, nocomplications, and no men who would make me question my worth or perceptions.
Still, Liam wasn't Shelton. Not even close.
Where Shelton had slick charm and hidden agendas, Liam was straightforward and honest to a fault. What I saw was what I got: a man committed to his job, to his community, with walls built around his heart for reasons I was just beginning to understand. Liam was a man who washed dishes in my kitchen as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I picked up my phone and called him.
"Hello."
"Hi, I hope your shift is going well. I thought I'd give you a quick call.
"I was thinking about you. Shift's quiet so far."
I couldn't suppress my smile. "Good to know you can be distracted, too. Some of us have actual work to accomplish."
"Says the woman calling me during business hours. What's distracting you, Ms. Daniels?"
I bit my lip, debating how flirty to be. "A certain promise about next time is making it hard to focus." My heart did a ridiculous little dance in my chest as I waited for him to respond.
Liam chuckled. "Tomorrow night. My place. I'll cook again. Seven p.m."
I grinned, all pretense of playing it cool abandoned.
"It's a date. Try not to get too distracted on your shift today. Those hoses can be heavy."
