“That,” she says, glancing up at me, “we can definitelyagree on.”
“I’m okay now, though,” she adds. “Better than okay, actually.”
I nod slowly. “I’ve always believed that the wind carries us where we need to go.” I glance down and let my fingers brush hers, just enough to feel that spark again. “My old man used to say that, back when life felt like nothing but storms. After a few rough patches of my own, I’m inclined to agree with him.”
She goes quiet for a second, eyes on mine like she’s tucking my words somewhere safe. Then that smile pulls at her mouth, a little shy, and so damn beautiful it nearly guts me. “I like that a lot,” she says, voice barely above a whisper. “Very insightful.”
And maybe it’s stupid, but I let myself feel that flicker of pride like I’ve done something right just by making her smile like that. But the feeling’s gone as quick as it came, replaced by the press of something heavier because sitting here with her, this close, this good…it’s got a cost. There’s shit I’ve buried deep for a reason, and the longer I sit here pretending it’s not clawing its way up my throat, the more I wonder how long I can keep it locked down.
What the hell am I doing?
She’s already survived the wreckage of a man who promised her forever then torched it all without blinking. And now here I am beside her like I’m not just one more gamble her heart can’t afford.
Fuck.
I need to figure out what the hell I’m doing before this goes any further. And yet, I still lean in to press a kiss to her temple as if I have the right.
“I hate to say it, lass,” I murmur against her skin, “but your aunt’s counting on me to get you home soon. I’d rather not be on her bad side come tomorrow.”
She pulls away, her body stiffening as shestands, a look of surprise crossing her face. “Oh, gosh. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head quickly. “Don’t apologize. I’ve kept you here longer than planned, and I’m the one to blame for that. That’s on me, Juliette.”
I’ve been selfish, soaking up every second I’ve had with her. I can’t bring myself to regret it. Not really.
A faint blush colors her cheeks, and I can’t help but chuckle. She has this adorable way of getting modest at the strangest times, like it’s some kind of reflex. It only makes me want to tease her more just to see that sweet, shy side of her again.
As we get ready to leave, my eyes drift to Juliette who’s kneeling by the door as she says goodbye to the cat. Her voice is soft, playful as she talks to him, her fingers gently combing through his fur. The kitten purrs in response, basking in the attention.
I think I might be a little jealous of the damn cat.
She glances up at me, a soft smile playing on her lips when she catches me watching. “He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?”
“He’s not the only one,” I reply.
She raises a brow, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. “Oh, really? What’s your game, then?”
I shrug with a grin. “Well, I’m practically irresistible.”
“Confidence is key, huh?”
“Something like that,” I murmur, my voice rough as I lean against the doorframe, trying to hold onto some sliver of control.
The sight of her on her knees sends a hot rush of blood south so fast I have to grip the doorframe tighter. The curve of her neck, exposed in the low light, pulls my gaze downward to the delicate line of her collarbone peeking from under hersweater where it’s slipped just enough to tease. Her lips, still swollen from our kisses, part just slightly as she meets my eyes.
“You ready?”
She doesn't move. Just stays there, her face tilted up and mere inches from where I’m straining against my jeans.
Christ almighty.
Finally, she nods, rising to her feet. “Lead the way, if you must.”
“Don’t tempt me, lass. I’ll lock this door and keep you here, no questions asked.”
I regret the words the moment they leave my mouth. That was way too intense. But before I can backpedal, I catch the shiver that runs through her. Her pupils dilate, and her breath catches just slightly.
Her chest rises and falls a little faster, and I watch, transfixed, as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth.
