And it’s thepleasethat gets me.
“Okay.”
I don’t wear my hair down often. I guess it’s like armor. If I keep it up, I stay safe. But it’s just the two of us, and there’s nothing to be afraid of with him. His presence grounds me.
So I grab hold of the band. But stop. I’m struck by how intimate this feels—the closeness of him, the way he quietly studies me. He’s looking at me as if I’m a star in the night sky, shining only for him.
And that’s what propels me forward.
My hand slowly works to pull out the band, and I let my hair cascade over my shoulders.
Stone’s eyes flare with surprise, like he’s been hit with a baseball, and I realize I’ve been hit, too, but by something different—pride and panic.
The panic burns hot and quick, but then peters out, leaving pride that lingers.
And then that same pride is reflected in his eyes. He reaches out slowly, and with a gentleness that sends shivers dancing across my skin, he pulls my hair over one shoulder.
“You’re so beautiful.”
My cheeks heat. “Stop it.”
“I will not stop it, because it’s true. You are. So beautiful. And ...”
“What?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Just ... something. Like I’ve seen this before.”
He stares at my face, my hair. There’s a look in his eyes—I’ve never had someone look at me like this, as if I’m the answer to a question they didn’t ask.
A blush forms on my cheeks and I look away.
“You are so beautiful, Coco.”
I look up and his eyes smolder. “Thank you.”
“I mean it, you really are—inside and out.”
We’re studying one another, and it feels like I’m the target now, the center of the bull’s-eye. I clear my throat, hoping to put distance between us and this conversation.
“Tell me about your memory.”
He tips his head back. “I’ll only tell you if you dance with me like you actually want to. You’re miles away.”
“No, I’m not.”
He motions at the distance between us.
“Fine.”
I take a hesitant step into him. His hand tightens around my waist, holding me close, and his body warms every inch of me.
“So much better.” Stone squeezes my hand before he adds, “Have you ever thought maybe who you arenowis who you’re supposed to be and the past doesn’t matter?”
“No, I never have.”
He pulls back and frowns. “Why not?”
“Maybe I don’t understand the question.”
