“Because it’s you.” I said it as it was: a fact. “You’re cute when you’re embarrassed, and I like the way you get all quiet.”
“So, you’re doing it for a reaction?”
“No.” I did pull away slightly this time. “I’m doing it because I like you.”
Theo’s eyes went wide, and all I could do was stare at him. He lookedsogood this close.
“You can say it just like that?”
“Yes. I’m the kind of woman who knows what she wants. I’m just working on getting better at making it happen.”
Theo’s throat worked again and I waited for him to turn me down.
When the silence stretched on, I knew I had to ask for one other thing. Then, I’d know.
“Can we do something else?”
“We’re already hugging. What else is there?”
“I want you to kiss me.” My heart was in my throat as I asked, but I kept my gaze on him steady.
This time, he jerked back. “M-me?”
“Yep. I would do it, but this is a little new to me.”
“I—” He paused for a long time, and that expression of confusion was on his face again. I had a feeling he was working out how to tell me no, just like he always did.
I wanted him to fail at it.
As he thought, my arms tightened and I tilted my head at him. He watched it all, and instead of worry, his eyes were filledwith heat.
“This could all end terribly. You know that, right?”
I wasn’t sure if he meant the kiss or us.
I wasn’t sure I cared.
“I’ve spent my whole life in fear. I don’t want to anymore.”
Theo let out a long breath, and I knew I had him.
He leaned down and my heart kicked into high gear.
I’d imagined my first kiss for a long time. As a romance author, I had a grandiose idea of what it would be.
Yet it all paled in comparison to the second he put a hand on my face and leaned down to press his lips against mine.
I heard a sharp intake of air, and I didn’t know if it was from him or me. His other hand landed on my hip slowly, with more than enough time for me to bail if I needed to.
There was no way I would be doing that.
I felt so much and yet not enough. Theo pulled away, eyes meeting mine. I stared at him, trying to think of what the hell to do next.
“Tilt your head.” He cupped my cheek, moving me exactly where he wanted. “There you go.”
“Why?”
His lips closed over mine, andoh. The angle was way better like this.
