Whatever story he'd told himself and me was still alive in his head.He could pull away at any time and tell me that we weren't right for each other.But a small part of me hoped for a different outcome.One where he wanted me forever.
That was crazy.Crazier than me getting on my knees for him inside my bookstore.Anyone could have seen us or knocked on the door.It had been thrilling but in reality, no one could see us between the tall stacks.He'd protected me.
"What now?"I asked, against my better judgment.The voice that told me to enjoy whatever this was without labels and rules.But the logical side of me remembered what it felt like to be stood up.
He pulled back and looked at me."I don't know.I'm not sure I've ever been in a relationship like this before."
"So it's a relationship?"Why was I taking the cue from him in this?Shouldn't I be a modern woman and walk him to the door, acting like this hadn't affected me at all.Instead, I was a quivering disaster inside, my brain racing with a million unanswered questions.
"I don't know.I want you.I want to spend time with you.I want to get to know you better.Whatever that's called."
I couldn't stop the soft smile that spread over my face."Okay."
His brows rose like he couldn't believe that I'd agreed."Okay?"
"Yeah, that sounds nice."He might not have said a label or described it how other men might have.But he was unique, and I wanted to be with him, not some guy trying to be the perfect boyfriend.This imperfect one was so much better.
I just hoped I wasn't ignoring the rational part of my brain because I'd always wanted this man.
"I'm going to walk you to the door and kiss you good night."
I giggled because we'd done so much more than kiss tonight.
He arched."This is me.I can't be anyone else."
I turned at the doorway and lifted my hand to touch his cheek."You're who I want."
He smiled and leaned down to kiss me softly."Good night, Belle."
"Night."
He opened the door and waited for me to lock it behind him.I waved and headed to my apartment.I wanted to be alone so I could relive every second of that encounter.
I hadn't expected him to stop by, much less kiss me and then everything else that came with it.I was in so much trouble.
