“Worth it.” His smile softens and looks even more genuine. “I know we haven’t even had our first date yet, but I thought maybe we could go together a week from Saturday. For our second date.”
It’s sweet. Thoughtful. Exactly the type of gesture that should make my heart flutter.
But all I can think about is Kain’s hands touching me and his mouth on mine, kissing me like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.
David steps closer, close enough that his scent envelops me; it’s woody and pleasant. I have to tilt my head back slightly to maintain eye contact.
“You’re really beautiful, Anne,” he says softly. “I know I’ve said it before, but I mean it. Every time I see you, I think about how lucky I am that you’re giving me a chance.”
Then, he leans down and kisses me.
It’s gentle, careful, a first kiss to test the waters. His lips are warm and soft, and he tastes faintly of mint.
I feel absolutely nothing. No spark. No flutter. No racing heart or breathless feeling or wolf singing inside me. This ishow I would feel kissing cardboard: completely devoid of any sensation or emotion.
I don’t return the kiss. Can’t make myself reciprocate even though I should, even though this is what I said I wanted, even though David is a good man who deserves better than this.
He pulls back after a moment, his expression a mixture of hurt and resignation. “You really don’t like me?” he asks quietly, carefully.
“No! Oh no, David. It’s not that. You’re wonderful. You’re sweet and kind and any woman would be lucky to—”
“But you don’t feel anything for me.” It’s not a question. He knows. Can probably see it written all over my face.
Guilt crashes over me like a wave. “I want to. I really do. You’re everything I should want in a partner.”
“But?”
“But...” I trail off, not knowing how to finish that sentence without hurting him more.
David is quiet for a moment, studying my face. Then, he gives me a knowing, almost sad look.
“Is he a better kisser?”
My heart stops. “What?”
“Kain. The new head of security.” He says it so casually, like he’s commenting on the weather. “Is he a better kisser than me?”
I can feel the blood drain from my face. “I don’t—How did you—”
“I saw you last night. In the parking lot.” He offers a small, tight smile. “I was leaving the building right then. Saw the whole thing, actually. It seemed very different from our kiss just now.”
Shame floods through me, hot and mortifying. “David, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to see that. I didn’t mean for any of it to happen. It was—”
“Explosive?” he supplies, and there’s no malice in his voice, just weary acceptance. “Yeah. I could tell from fifty feet away.”
“There’s nothing between us,” I say quickly, desperately. “He doesn’t feel anything for me. I don’t know why he acted like that—”
David cuts me off gently. “Anne, it’s okay. I know you don’t think of me in a romantic way.”
The truth of it sits heavily between us.
“Then why did you ask me out?” My voice comes out sounding small. “Why the flowers and the tickets and all of this if…”
“Because I’m hoping those feelings can grow over time.” He steps closer again, but this time there’s an almost desperate look in his eyes. “Because maybe, just maybe, if I try hard enough and show you how good we could be together, you’ll finally see me.”
“David—”
“Attraction doesn’t have to matter right now,” he says insistently. “I can tell that you’re attracted to him, but he clearly doesn’t know what he wants. I do. I want you.”
