“Yes?” Her voice came through the door, quiet but steady.
“I made us some lunch. Are you hungry?”
Silence stretched for a moment. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until she finally answered.
“Give me a minute to freshen up. I’ll be right out.”
They ate a quiet lunch, circling each other with careful conversation, sticking to the same safe topics they’d covered the first night after they met. It felt wrong—like they were pretending nothing had changed.
Like they hadn’t shared what they had the night before.
He’d hoped the flowers, the wine, and the effort he’d put into the meal would bring back even a fraction of that closeness, but Maura kept a polite distance between them. Every soft answer and every avoided glance drove him up the wall.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
Reaching across the table, he covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry.”
Her eyes widened, then narrowed slightly, confusion flickering across her face. “About what?”
“Last night.”
She dropped her gaze to her lap, color rising in her cheeks. “I… I told you I wasn’t that good at it.”
For a moment, he stared at her, caught off guard, then shook his head. “No! That’s not what I meant.” Extending his other hand, he cradled her cheek. “Oh, honey, you were incredible. You absolutely blew my mind. Several times, in fact.”
Her blush deepened, and the memory of her in his arms the night before came rushing back, vivid enough to make his pulse pick up.
“Then what are you sorry about?”
“You’ve been quiet all day. Distant. I figured you were having second thoughts.” His thumb brushed lightly over her cheek. “If I moved too fast… I’m sorry.”
She leaned into his palm and looked him in the eye, letting him see the truth. “You didn’t. I wanted you. I just…” A moment of hesitation followed before she drew in a small breath. “I didn’t know it could feel like that.”
Her gaze drifted to the table, and he slid his hand down to cup her chin, lifting it until she faced him again. “Then what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, really.” She gave a small shrug. “I’m just a little embarrassed. I don’t have much experience with men—especially someone like you—and I’m not sure how I’m supposed to act.”
Something in his chest eased at her admission.
He rose and drew her to her feet with him, not giving her time to retreat into her thoughts. Bending, he brushed a soft kiss over her lips as his arms circled her waist.
Maura softened against him, and the simple trust in that small shift sent a rush of warmth through him.
“You don’t have to act or overthink things. Be natural—relax and enjoy yourself. No experience needed for that.” He grazed her lower lip, and she inhaled sharply. “I like that you’re a bit innocent, yet you respond to me.”
He kissed her again, slower this time, giving her a chance to follow his lead. When she did, he felt it all the way through him—her response, the way her body aligned with his, as if she belonged right where she was.
His hold on her tightened slightly, the reaction instinctive.
He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss as the last of the tension eased out of her. The warmth of her against him sparked a sharper awareness, one he had no interest in fighting.
His lips didn’t leave hers as he swept her up into his arms and carried her inside and down the hallway. By the time they reached his bedroom, she was the only thing on his mind.
When her feet touched the floor, she didn’t pull away. If anything, she moved closer.
“You’re killing me,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
Her soft laugh brushed against his skin. “Seems fair because I feel you’re doing the same to me.”
