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“You’re too young.”
I’ve heard that most of my life. Growing up with a hero kind of brother like Wyatt, I always tried to follow in his footsteps. Everyone told me to slow down and take my time. I was too young to drive—I was, but who can reason with a thirteen-year-old? They told me not to open a restaurant, to take my time to learn the business.
I have the most successful restaurant in Juniper Springs.
“That would mean you’re too old.”
Her gaze narrows as it settles back on my face. Again, she’s trying to hide her reaction. She’s definitely not happy with my comment. I bite back a chuckle.
“Idon’t think you are. I thinkyouthink you are.”
She sighs, and I hear the loneliness, the yearning. She reaches out to me with that one soft sound, pulling me further into her orbit.
“Would it hurt?”
Her gaze finally settles on me. “What?”
“One night. Come with me, Liv.”
She doesn’t say anything, but her gaze doesn’t break from mine. The pulse in her neck is beating out of control, and I want to run my tongue over it.
“What?”
It’s then I realize I said that out loud. A lot of people would be embarrassed, but I’m not. I see no reason why I should be.
“It’s true. I mean…there are a lot of other places I would like to taste too.”
She blinks, her cheeks turning an even darker shade of pink. She’s a motherfucking delight and I want to be the one who watches her come apart.
“I just don’t do things like this.”
“You mean have one-night stands?”
She nods. “Even before I got married. I didn’t have anything against it. It’s just not me. And there really hasn’t been anyone since my husband died.”
Oh, but she wants to. I can see it there in her gaze, and I can hear it in her voice. And since it worked before, I offer her an easy choice.
“Tell you what. I’ll make you a deal like before. We eat these, then you can make your decision. No pressure.”
“Fine. But I need my hand.”
I smile and let go, although the moment I release it, I miss the feel of her hand in mine. It’s crazy, but I feel this connection with her.
“Do you mind talking about it?”
She knows what I’m asking without me being specific. People who go through loss seem to understand each other.
“No, I don’t mind. Sam was in the military. He died in combat.”
“Any kids?”
She smiles, and happiness fills her entire expression. This is different than any smile she has graced me with. This one is from her soul. And a strange feeling flits through me. I want her to smile like that because of me.
“Yes. The loves of my life.”
Damn. She was pretty before, but now…now she’s stunning.
“And you’ve been raising them yourself since your husband died?”
