“I was glad someone stopped. I just… hoped it would be you.”
She’s put her arms through the sleeves of my jacket and has them crossed over her waist, looking at the mountains instead of me. Like she’s nervous of how I’ll respond.
“I’m here.”
Lisette smiles.
The tire is pretty worn. There’s a crack in the side wall where the rubber split, and an indentation, like something was pressed there. Helping the crack along? My neck prickles. Something in my gut tells me this might not be a simple flat. But who would want to harm Lisette?
It doesn’t make sense.
I jack the car up and remove the damaged tire, then make quick work of changing it. The little donut tire will be good enough for the short drive. The front tire on this side also looks worn, and I bet the others are the same. I’ll call Vega later and ask her to put a full set of new tires on Lisette’s vehicle. I’ve heard the feisty little mechanic is passionate about helping women with their cars.
Lisette would like her.
I put the jack away and grab a sanitary wipe out of my med kit to clean up. When I turn, Lisette is there.
“Thanks, Dorian. For everything.” She rises on her toes and places a soft kiss to my cheek.
Right over my scar.
My chest constricts, and I squeeze my eyes closed. That touch… No one’s ever…
Jesus. It’s always been Lisette for me.
My hands go to her hips, holding her in place as I fight for air.
“Dorian? Did I… did I hurt you?” Her voice trembles over the words.
My eyes snap open to see the worry on her beautiful face.
Sliding one hand into her hair, I gently grip the back of her neck and cover her lips with mine.
CHAPTER FIVE
LISETTE
Dorian’s lips crash down, and I gasp against his mouth.
He takes the opening, his tongue sweeping against mine to deepen the kiss.
I love the way he’s cupping my neck, holding me in place while his other hand grips my hip. The way he tastes like coffee and strength.
The kiss isn’t sweet or soft. Dorian claims it with devastating certainty, making me breathless. I’ve never been kissed like this—so passionate and consuming.
I grip his shirt and raise on my toes, getting closer. Needing more.
I don’t want this to end.
Our mouths slide together, over and over, until my nipples harden and heat floods my core.
Dorian has always been more than just a childhood friend. He’s been my strength, my hope, and my dreams. Kissing him was inevitable, if only to answer the question that’s burned in my mind for over twenty years.
What if?
When I saw him in the café this morning, I knew I wanted this. I just never imagined it would feel so right.
The rumble of a motorcycle startles me, breaking the spell.
