Page 103 of My Unfinished Heart

“That wasn’t a compliment. It torments me.”

“The feeling’s kind of mutual, Archer.”

“No one else compares…” I say as I lose myself in the soft curve of his cheekbones, the striking line of his jaw.

“I know, right? I mean this nose—how can a nose be so good looking?” He reaches up to brush his fingertip down the bridge of my nose.

I smile as my own cheeks grow warm.

“Don’t even get me started on your mouth,” he says.

“I’d like to get you started on my mouth as soon as possible.”

“Then stop staring and kiss me.”

“I’m going to, I just…it’s a slippery slope. There’s a lot to—you know…this is turning out better than I thought it would.”

“What did you think would happen?”

“A few minutes ago, I thought you were gonna leave.”

“No…” He stares back at me. “I knew you’d say the right thing eventually.”

Wow. I’m not prepared for how that makes me feel. He’s saying he believed in me. That he had faith I wouldn’t fuck this up, and he’s got no reason to believe that. He just does.

He takes my hand in his. I can’t stop staring at him.

“How long are you gonna make me wait? It’s already been four years,” he says. “Or do I always have to make the first move?”

I almost laugh, but it’s more important to get him closer.

“Come here.” I sit back, and he stands. I turn in my chair, pulling him onto my lap. He straddles me, his hands on my shoulders.

“Better,” he murmurs.

“I never know what to do with you,” I admit.

The corner of his mouth turns up in a half-smile, coy and amused. It probably is amusing—my wonder and helplessness.

He runs both hands through my hair—his bold touch turning me on. I grip his hips, scooting him even closer. Our noses meet as we come face to face. “How’s this?” I ask.

“You’re getting warmer.”

I give his mouth a light kiss. His lips part, attempting to latch onto mine before I pull away. His mouth tries to follow.

“Archer…”

“Shh…” Lips on lips again. Rushing breath. “Let me have this one thing.”

He sighs, and it has a soft sound that whispers over my cheek. I move my mouth up his neck, and I notice something. “What’s this?” I ask, taking a closer look at the small tattoo behind his ear.

“Look closer,” he whispers.

It’s a tiny black outline of a Gordian knot. Exactly like my necklace. For a second my vision blurs, my eyes burn, and my throat nearly closes up.

“I told you it wasn’t normal,” he says softly.

“But after everything … What I didn’t do…”