When I enter, she's not in bed. My heart kicks up to see the gun where I left it.
The toilet flushes and she opens the bathroom door. As soon as she sees me, her shoulders drop and a small smile forms.
She's still wearing those tiny pajamas, and it's hard to drag my gaze off her. She's so fucking beautiful, even sleep rumpled and scared.
She spots the travel cups and hurries forward. "Is that coffee?"
I set them down with the bags of food. "I didn't know what you wanted."
Her eyebrows shoot up as I start removing boxes. "So, you got one of everything?"
I feel my cheeks heat. "Wanted you to have choices."
Gemma laughs, and the sound goes all the way to my empty soul, touching a place I thought no one could reach.
Then she goes up on her toes and kisses me.
Her lips are feather light as they skim across mine and her hands land on my chest. "Thank you, Dallas," she says against my mouth. "For rescuing me when you could have run."
I slowly put my hands on her hips, anchoring her to me. "Not when you’re in danger, Gemma."
She leans back and searches my face. "I've never met anyone like you."
"That's probably a good thing."
She huffs a laugh. "Maybe, but I'm glad you wanted ice cream."
Though I don't say it, I am too.
Gemma settles back on her feet, her gaze never leaving mine. I see the questions in her eyes and the way they darken.
She goes up on her toes a second time, tugging my head down, and kisses me.
My body locks tight even as her lips move over mine.
She stills when I don't respond, then slowly pulls back, and looks away. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."
No.I can't allow her to think I didn't want her kiss. She surprised me.
I've never been chosen before.
The few lovers I've had I pursued only long enough to satisfy both our needs. They didn't look me in the eye. They didn't kiss me.
Only Gemma does.
I cup the back of her head, spearing my fingers into her silky locks and tip her head up, then cover her mouth with mine. I show her without words what that means to me. What she means to me even after only a day.
Gemma leans closer and wraps her arms around my neck.
I open her lips with mine and sweep my tongue inside, tasting her. Memorizing her mouth. I stroke her tongue, lick her lips, and drink her sweetness down.
She moans softly.
Pulling her body flush with mine, I kiss her harder, deeper.
Gemma breaks the kiss and cups my cheek. "I'm not afraid when I'm with you, Dallas."
I press my forehead to hers, drawing a steady breath tinged with vanilla. "You terrify me."
