“Listen to her,” I reply defensively. “I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Good. I’m proud of you for making that decision.”
Her words warm my heart. It’s strange. I’ve never craved anyone’s approval before, but being thrust into this situationwith Lucia, where we’re sharing a house and spending most of our time together, seems to have messed with my priorities. “Thanks for being so understanding about the situation. Someone else probably would have told me I was being a jerk and bailed by now.”
She stops beside my car and crosses her arms over her chest. “If you think that then you’ve been spending time with the wrong kind of people. The right kind will stand by you through thick and thin. They don’t leave when life gets hard.”
That warmth in my heart spreads outward, diffusing through my body. “You’re such a sweetheart.”
She cocks her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “It’s just the truth.”
I’m not sure it’s everyone’s truth, but it’s her truth, and I love that about her. She’s a good person.
I move closer, pinning her to the side of the car, and cup her cheek. “Thank you.”
She blinks rapidly. “For what?”
“Being you.” I run my thumb across her cheekbone. “Giving me faith in humanity.”
She starts to laugh, then stops when she realizes I’m serious. “But—”
“But nothing,” I interrupt, knowing she’s about to protest that she’s not special, which would piss me off because she is. She’s incredible, and she doesn’t see it. “I know I haven’t exactly been a prince, but you’ve treated me well, and I appreciate that. So just let me share my gratitude, damn it.”
Her lips curve into an impish smile, and my chest tightens in response. On impulse, I dip my head and brush my mouth to hers. The kiss is gentle. It draws me in like a bonfire, making me want to get closer. I press against her body, feeling the curve of her breasts against my torso. One of her thighs slips between mine, and a sigh eases from her lips. I drink it up, wanting more.
You shouldn’t do this,the voice in my head reminds me.She deserves better than what you can give her.
But I can’t convince myself to let her go. She tastes as decadent as she looks, and my cock is demanding I claim more. It’s not just because she’s beautiful, though. Lucia accepts me in a way I’m not used to, and while I know I shouldn’t lead her on, I can’t help thinking perhaps it isn’t coincidence that’s brought us together now. With Mom remarrying, I’m at an important juncture of my life. Perhaps Lucia being here, in Provincetown, at the same time as me, is a sign things are going to work out. Maybe Mom’s relationship isn’t as doomed as I fear. Perhaps Kevin is the right man for her. And if she can move on and have a happily ever after, there might be hope for me too.
Or maybe I’m reading too much into things.
But with Lucia’s taste in my mouth and her curves beneath my hands, I allow myself to go with the flow. To stop fighting this thing between us.
Someone toots their car horn, breaking us apart. Lucia trembles beneath my touch and gazes up at me questioningly. I want to reassure her, but I have no idea what we’re doing—just that I don’t want it to end.
“Let’s go home,” I suggest.
She gives me a little push, and I realize I’m blocking her in. When I back off, she unlocks the car and gets into the driver seat. I round the hood and sit in the passenger side.
“What was that?” she asks as she starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot.
“I’m not sure,” I say. “I’m sorry if I’m confusing you. I’m confusing me too.” I battle to speak my thoughts aloud. “I like you. There’s so much about you to admire, and I’ve been trying not to cross any lines, but I obviously haven’t succeeded.”
She’s focusing on the road, but I can sense her concentration. “Why have you been trying not to cross any lines?”
“Uh.” That’s not what I expected her to ask. “Because you’re a forever girl, and I’m a just-for-now guy. Plus you’re Tempe’s family, and I wouldn’t want things to get messy.”
“So you decided for me that I wasn’t interested in anything temporary?” Her tone is overly calm, and it makes me hesitate.
“I made the decision not to pursue you,” I say carefully. “Because I’m allowed to want someone but decide not to act on it.”
She tilts her head. “Fair enough.”
“Are you mad?” I ask.
She glances over, visibly surprised. “No. I’m just trying to understand you.”
I snort. “Good luck with that. Many have tried, few have succeeded.”
