Page 109 of Time To Learn

“How did you dothat?”

He grimaces before he leans back on asigh.

“Well, I was in a serious relationship for years, but when Rose fell ill, I neglected my girlfriend. At first, she understood why I couldn’t spend as much time with her as usual—I mean, she was a sweet woman. Anyone would get it, I think. But on the day of Rose’s funeral, I got so pissed and went out to a cluband…”

The shame in his voice is hard to miss, making me dread his next words.

“And what?” I whisper.

“I fucked some girl. I cheated on Rebecca.”

I wince, feeling beyond sad to know this abouthim.

“When I woke up the next day, I told her. I couldn’t keep something like that fromher.”

He takes a deep breath as he runs a hand across his chin. A humourless chuckle escapes his mouth.

“She broke it off with me, of course—I can’t blame her for that—and thus began my wild journey as a manwhore.”

“Don’t say that,” Isnap.

He shrugs.

“It’s the truth.”

“Maybe so, but one born from heartache and sorrow, Kristian. But if you remain one? Well, that’s your choice.”

He nods and crosses his arms over his chest. He swallows, hard, before he lifts his head and gazes into myeyes.

So much pain. So muchhope.

“So, is this the part where you tell me we’re over before we’ve even begun?” heasks.

I sigh deeply as unease mingled with want settles in my heart.

“No,” I answer softly. I hold out my hand, palm up, as hope shines in his eyes. “But only if you promise to refrain from your playboy activities while you’re withme.”

He grins atme.

“That’sit?”

I puff my chest before I let out a soft breath.

“Yes, I think so. I don’t care about your past, Kristian. But I won’t share you while we’re together.”

He leans closer to me, bending until his face is so close, my lips almost touchhis.

“So there’s been no one special in your life since Rebecca?” I breathe, trying to keep focussed.

When he hesitates, I blink, waiting with baited breath. The small frown between his eyebrows makes my tummy dip, and I wonder what else he’s about to share with me tonight.

“There was a time that I thought something might happen between me and another woman, but…” he sighs softly, his breath fanning across my lips. “But I’m fucking thrilled it didn’t, because then I’d never have come to Scotland. I’d never have met you, and that is a thought I can’tbear.”

His words shock me to my core, and I can’t speak. He’s literally just shaken my world, telling me things no other man has ever said, and I don’t know how to process them atall.

“I want you,” he whispers, making my breath hitch. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you. It’s like my body craves yours. I’m yours, and only yours, sweetheart.”

My heart does a weird twist and flip as he utters those words. As he bares himself before me. It’s like he’s declaring his love for me, but that can’t be true. We hardly know each other. Yet, his words light me up from within, filling me with warmth and butterflies. And desire. Underneath the surface, always desire.