He starts in surprise, but then he kisses me back.
It’s soft. Gentle. Brief and barely there.
But it’s enough. It’s enough to fully reignite the desire that has long been dormant inside of me.
It’s enough to make me want more.
And that’s… terrifying.
I pull back quickly. “I—sorry. I got caught up. I just?—”
He catches my wrist gently. “Hey.”
I look up. His expression is soft, searching.
“It’s all good,” he says. “You can get caught up with me whenever you like.”
Something in his tone unravels the last of my restraint. I lean in again, slower this time, letting the kiss deepen just enough to remind me of everything I’ve been trying not to feel.
When I finally step back, my heart is racing.
“Come over tonight,” I say. “If you want. After Scottie goes to bed.”
His breath stutters, just slightly. “Are you sure?”
I lick my bottom lip, still savoring his taste. “Absolutely.”
“Okay.” He nods. “I definitely want to.”
I nod once, decisively, even though fear curls low in my stomach.
“Good,” I say. “Then I’ll see you later.”
I turn away before I can change my mind.
Because if I’m going to risk my heart again, I want it to be for a man who stands up for my daughter without hesitation.
And Dane just proved exactly who he is.
And I’m willing to risk future heartbreak for even one a couple of weeks of getting to know the man he’s become.
FIVE
DANE
I shouldn’t be here.
That’s the first thought that crosses my mind as I park outside Gina’s place and cut the engine. The second is that I don’t care.
The house glows softly against the dark, a single light on in the living room, snow piled neatly along the walkway like someone actually bothers to keep up with it. The place doesn’t look fancy. It looks lived in. Warm. Solid.
Home.
I shake the thought off before it can dig in too deep and grab the bottle of wine I picked up on the way over. It felt like the right move. Something normal. Something that doesn’t screamI’m here to wreck your carefully rebuilt life.
I knock once.
She opens the door almost immediately, like she’s been waiting behind it.
