AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The man who shares the same name as my father?”
His question brought up feelings of defeat that constricted my chest. “Yes. I’m truly sorry about the confusion. I should have never—”
“Why did you think it was me?” he interrupted. A troubled feeling entered his gaze, as though he wasn’t really convinced.
“I was given a name and a description. I realize now you are not the only man with brown hair and green eyes in this world, so I’m sorry. It was stupid of me to assume.”
“But what about my father having the same name as the man you are looking for?” he pressed.
“A coincidence.” I shook my head without a better explanation. I was terrible at lying. “One of those weird things that leave you thinking, but a coincidence just the same.”
Braxton nodded, yet his eyes said he didn’t quite believe me.
I needed to leave.
Standing, I stepped away from him, avoiding his eyes. “I should go. I only came to apologize and say goodbye.”
“You are leaving?” Blinking in disbelief he stood too, stopping before me—too close for me to actually think clearly. “Why?” he whispered.
“My family needs me, and I’ve wasted too much time here.”
When he stepped even closer, it became impossible not to look into his eyes. Green eyes that spoke of the same ache I felt with the thought of going back home. Was it just going back that distressed me?
The second his fingers slowly curled around mine, taking my hand in his, I got my answer. Braxton’s warmth engulfed it, and a small shudder made its way along my spine—making the little hairs along my arms stand on end. His gaze briefly fell to our hands, and when it focused on my eyes, I knew I wasn’t the only one who had felt it.
What was that?
It wasn’t some supernatural connection, magic, or some spell calling to us. No. It was something so simple and natural that it shook me to my core. Familiar. That was how he felt to me. Our gazes silently searched the other, my fingers closing around his in acceptance of his hold.
Ifelthim somehow.
His touch was comfortable and warm, caring. Like I had always known him. Like a part of him had been there, inside me, waiting to be felt. It was both unnerving and exciting, making me crave more.
Braxton felt just right.
“What was that?” I whispered my thoughts out loud, feeling a certain need capture my being while I stared into his eyes.
Once again, a dazzling smile captured Braxton’s lips, illuminating his face. It seemed that knowing I’d felt it too elated him. “Chemistry,” he whispered back, caressing my skin with his thumb. “Perfect chemistry.”
Gods. “Is that why my stomach is flipping inside of me?”
A chuckle escaped him, and to my surprise, his cheeks slightly blushed as he held my gaze. Mine did too. “Yes.” Reaching for my other hand, he took it in his. “Do you really have to go?”
Yes…
“I could stay a bit longer, but I’m going back home tonight,” I confessed, not fully understanding what thischemistryhe mentioned was. I had never felt this nervous, happy, and basically unhinged with exhilaration after someone’s touch in my entire life. Perhaps there was magic at play here after all.
“I’ll take it.” Smiling at me again, Braxton guided me back to the table, but he never let go of my hands.
“And here you go—”
Josh’s words halted when he saw us holding hands, but his sudden presence made me pull away from Braxton, and I rested my back on the chair.
“Damn, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He cringed, glancing at Braxton apologetically, and set a tray with our food and drinks between us on the table. “Sam and Peter just arrived, so I’m leaving,” he informed Braxton. “Nick is staying, though. He’s closing the shop like Mr. Di Rossi asked, and they wanted me to remind you to take the rest of the afternoon to feel better.”
“What? Wait,” Braxton began to complain but Josh was gone before he could say more. Sighing, he glanced behind us at the short wall, where another guy stood in his place. Josh opened the door to everyone waiting outside.
“I’m sorry, I should go,” I reiterated, not fully knowing what had happened.
