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I said it. Now I must own it.
His eyes lift slowly to mine. He silently holds me prisoner in a way that I’m okay with. He could detain me, do whatever he wants, and I’d let him. I trust this man even though I don’t know him.
Well, I guess I kind of do. Enough for me to kiss him. There’s no harm in a kiss, right?
He takes a step closer. My knees slacken, and my breath hitches in my throat.
“Is that what you want?” His head bends. His lips nearly touch mine.
Mesmerized by his mouth, I’ve never wanted anything more.
I lift my eyes to his. “Yes.”
He gazes at me. His mouth parts. I wait a breath away for his reply. Is he going to do it? Oh, God! I hope he goes through with it.
“Why?” he asks in a deep husky tone.
Because when I look at you, I feel like a woman again. A desirable wanted in a sexual but healthy way woman. I haven’t felt like that in years.
Thankfully, that shit didn’t come pouring out of my mouth.
“After— well, you know.” I shrug. “It might help me to move on in that area.” Yes. That sounds reasonable enough. I don’t sound too much like an idiot, right?
He remains an inch away as I hold my breath, turning blue on the inside.
“I’m sorry, Cassie.” His steady eyes remain locked with mine. “I think you’re confusing me for someone else.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your next kiss should come from someone more…” He pauses as if searching for the right word. “Gentle.”
“Gentle?” My hands clench. “I don’t want gentle. I’m not a fragile doll. I’m not broken. I was in a bad situation, and I got out of it. Sure, with your help, but I survived.”
“Yes. I’m glad I could be there for you and that you’re moving forward. You’ve been through something horrible.”
“Right. And I refuse to let that monster take who I am and what I want from me. I’m not looking to be coddled. That wasn’t me before Glenn, and it’s certainly not me now. It’s not fair. He shouldn’t define my life.”
“No.” He straightens, distancing his mouth from mine. “It shouldn’t be, and from what I see, it hasn’t.” He lifts the permits. “Thanks for these. My crew and I will be there to start the project at seven o’clock. If you need anything before then, you have my number.”
I just told him what I needed from him, and he denied me!
“Thank you,” I whisper, embarrassed to the bones by his rejection.
“Have a good night, Cassie.” He nods and leaves out the door.
I shake my head.
I asked him to kiss me! I’m a fool.
Now, I’ll be forced to spend the next two or three months with him. How will I ever get past this? How can I ever look him in the eyes again without coming back to his rejection?
I raise my chin. I’ll get over it. I’ve gotten through worse.
Yes. I will be fine. I’m a strong and independent woman.
I will get past this awkward, trivial embarrassing moment as well.
Chapter Eight
