She nodded, her heart in her eyes.“I’d always thought so.”
“You never said.”
“I… I guess I thought you wanted hockey more than me.”
“Oh, Gen, no.”He smoothed her hair, reveling in its softness.“I’ve always wanted you.”
The noise around them abated.It was only her, only him, and these important words he needed to say to send the doubt in her eyes fleeing.
That internal ping was quieter now, which made it easier to say, “I’d like a second chance with you.To date you.See if we can make this work for good this time.”
“I’d like that too, but—”
No.He didn’t want to hear her excuse.Just knew this was the time to find out once and for all.So he leaned down and, after hesitating a moment, just long enough for her to pull away if she preferred, he brushed her lips with his.
* * *
Gen closedher eyes as heat flushed her skin and tingles spread through her body.Oh, his kiss held magic still, and she was suddenly greedy for more.
What would it hurt to lose herself in his kiss?To take this moment and revel in being chosen by Kyle, in being wanted by Kyle.He’d made it clear he still found her attractive, and her heart was hungry for approval.
And yes, she still needed to confess everything, but for this moment, anyway, she’d pretend it was as simple as two former lovers finding each other again at long last.
Her hands slid to his jaw, and she savored the rough texture, before tugging his head closer.Her lips parted, she heard his sigh, felt it through his chest which was pressed against hers, and was soon slipping into deep deliciousness.
“Gen,” he groaned.“I don’t think I could ever stop loving you.”
Oh, she felt the same.“I could kiss you forever.”
He tugged her nearer, so she was flush against him, with no chance of starlight getting between, until a giggle drew awareness they were in public.
She drew back, pressed fingers to her throbbing lips.Knew she had something akin to gravel rash on her chin where his whiskers had abraded her skin.
“Gen, I…” Kyle blinked, looking as dazed as she felt.“That was amazing.You’re amazing.”
She shook her head.No, she was foolish.She needed to tell him about Bella, but now after kissing him, everything felt more complicated.What was she supposed to say, anyway?
Hey Kyle, remember that night we had together?There was an unexpected consequence.Her name is Bella.
OrHey Kyle, I could kiss you forever but you need to know there’s someone you should meet first.Your daughter.
Yeah, that’d go down well.
Oh, what could she say?
“Kyle, I—”
He swallowed up the rest of her words with his kiss, and she quickly sank into it again.Oh, what would it matter if she held out a few more days?What would it matter if she made the most of this time with him now, especially as there was no guarantee there’d be any affection after she told him?
She pressed closer, her hand sliding down his front.
“Gen,” he rasped as he gripped her hand.“No.”
“We could go back to your place—”
He groaned and wrenched away, his eyes heavy-lidded as he studied her.“I’d love to do that but it’d be a mistake.”
“Why?”
