My instinct is to correct her, but a theological debate wouldn’t be helpful at the moment. Still, it saddens me to hear that Claire has not only been carrying so many crosses between her infertility and failed marriage but also a lack of faith. I understand her resentment, at least to an extent. I just wish there was a way to show her that trusting inGod’s plans can actually lighten that burden. I can’t imagine how she’s been getting by without the option to offer up her suffering for a greater purpose.
“No, I don’t think that’s it. Life is just unfair sometimes, and it’s even harder when we don’t get an explanation for why things happen the way they do. We never really know what’s in store for us. But it’s not too late for you to try again with the right person.” This time I drag my hand up to lift her chin so that I can kiss her again, and my heart skips a beat when she lets me. “Don’t give up on your dreams yet. As your soulmate, I have a special sense about these things,” I remind her between kisses.
Her expression softens and she smiles back at me. “No, really. Whoareyou?”
It’s not the first time she’s asked me that question tonight.
“Whoever I am, I’m thinking you must be pretty into it, since I’m also the stranger you brought back to your room despite the medical emergency and the embarrassingly bad lines,” I volunteer. “Or maybe I’m just the best kisser you’ve ever had, since you don’t seem to mind the coffee breath.”
As soon as I say it, I realize it’s much too bold, especially since I’m attempting to brush right over the fact that I’m still a virgin. I can’t risk giving her a reason to overanalyze my hesitation to take her up on her offer and fill in the blanks on her own. But Claire also seems to bring out this confident, flirty side of me—a side I’ve never tapped into before.
It’s not like I don’t flirt at all, just not to this extent, and certainly not with a woman I barely know. I’ve always been careful not to make any claims I wasn’t sure I could back up. But the thrill I get every time Claire doubles down with an even sexier reply is downright addicting. I’m afraid I can’t help myself anymore.
She bites her lip coyly, and my stomach dips with her confirmation. “I’m not sure that’s a fair claim. You haven’t had much competition in a while,” she admits.
“Neither have you, but that’s not stopping me from saying it. The truth is the truth.”
She clicks her tongue, but it only draws my attention back to her mouth. “You also believe in soulmates, so your version of the truth is somewhat questionable.”
I bring my lips down to hers, and she melts into my kiss. We’re both out of breath again by the time I force myself to pull away.
“The truth is no one’s ever made my heart go crazy the way you do. Not even close,” I rasp. I still don’t know whether it’s Claire or the adrenaline, but I’m certain it’s at least a little bit of both.
She squirms and tries to downplay her reaction with another eye roll, making a grin spread across my face. “Seriously,howare you still single? What’s your deal?”
“I don’t usually pursue a woman if I don’t see it going anywhere,” I begin more timidly. “And I guess I haven’t found anyone worth pursuing for very long.”
“Oh, come the hell on. That’s a cop out. You’ve got to have at least one red flag, something that scares the keepers away. And the severe peanut allergy doesn’t count.”
“I’ve actually been told that one was a deal breaker before,” I point out, and she rolls her eyes as she props herself up on one of her elbows and stares expectantly at me.
“Fine, if you really want to know, according to the women I’ve dated before, I’m too …nice,” I say, cringing.
“You can’t be serious,” she deadpans.
I look away in embarrassment. “That’s the explanation I’ve been given over the years, anyway.”
“Well, sure, but they probably didn’t mean it the way you’re thinking.”
“Okay, then tell me what it means.” I turn on my side and mirror her pose, trying not to let my eyes stray from her face. Her current position highlights her curves in all the best ways, especially in those pajamas, and I can’t risk a distraction when she’s about to give me the secret to fixing my love life.
“Women want to be wanted. We need to be needed. We desiredesire. We love chivalry, but we also need to know that we drive you absolutely wild.” I shake my head, and she sighs before she continues. “You’re sweet and romantic, and you’re eager to please the women you date, but only from a respectable distance. You’re not making demands of them or pursuing them in a way that makes them feel like you can’t live without them.”
I furrow my brow. “Am I supposed to be a jerk, then? Should I forget to hold the door open and make her pay for her own meal? Act clingy and jealous or flirt with other women in front of her?”
“Of course not, but you can’t leave room for any doubts, either. You’ve gotta tell her she makes your heart race and that she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever beheld,” she says in a mocking voice. But the way her eyelashes flutter when she looks at me again tells me she’s not kidding.
Is this really it? The one time I loosen the reins and let my hormones speak for me is the time I get it right?
“You like that stuff, and you’re actually admitting it?” I ask carefully.
“Dude, you’ve been practically melting my panties off all night,” she replies with a smirk.
“Really?” I cock an eyebrow.
“Yes, really,” she says, shoving me in the chest. “The combination of sincerity and yearning with that smile and those eyes … not to mention all this.” She gestures over my body before she hums appreciatively and shakes her head. “Forgetnice, Rowan. You are a dangerous man.”
“Am I?” I know my cheesy grin is giving me away now, but I’ve never beendangerousbefore.
