“Truth,” I whisper, barely able to speak.
“I want to kiss you.” His mask falls, raw desire written across his face.
Heat blooms in my core, radiating outward. I shift closer to him, my body brushing his. “Josh?”
“I can’t pretend anymore. I want you, Molly. In bed, out of bed. I want to date you. I want to taste your lips. I want to show you off, watch you teach, and hold you when everything feels hard.” His forehead rests against mine, his voice almost a plea. “Fuck. I shouldn’t have said that.”
My heart pounds in my chest, my cheeks flushing. “H-how long have you felt like this?”
He pulls back just slightly, giving me a crooked grin. “A while.”
I draw a shaky breath. I need space.
I step out of his arms, grabbing his hand and leading him to one of the plush couches. We sit, a few inches of space separating us. Silence stretches as I try to untangle my thoughts.
“I think I’d like that too,” I whisper, my fingers drumming nervously against my thumb. “But I’m scared.”
His hands cover mine, halting my tapping. “What scares you?”
“You know.”
“I’m not him.” He lifts my chin, his gaze steady. “I’d never do what he did. I don’t want to change you, Molly. I want to support you.”
Tears shimmer on my lashes. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“Ahlemna, Pahe. You could never.”
I sniffle, wiping my eyes. “That’s a lie.”
He gently brushes away a rogue tear. “Not in the way you’re thinking. Disappointments will happen—we’ll miss dinners or forget anniversaries. But I’ll never be disappointed inyou. You’re amazing.Vu wha’ kahnati sahjojah.”
My heart melts, hammering in my chest. “Okay.”
“Yeah?” His smile lights up his face.
“Yeah. Let’s try this out.”
“Should we seal this with a kiss?”
I shake my head, standing. “Absolutely not. I’m a three-date kind of girl.”
His grin turns mischievous. “Don’t worry. I’ll change your mind. Epic first date coming right up. And it may even involve dino porn.”
I laugh as he stands, staying close but giving me space.
“So, different topic. Should I buy it?” He waves a hand around the room.
“I haven’t even seen the rest of the place.”
“Gut feel?”
“Absolutely. This is a beautiful home.”
He nods, his gaze lingering on me. “It’s a family home.”
My heart skips a beat. “Lots of spare rooms,” I say softly.
“Kids take up rooms.”
