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His hand went up to her neck and held her head. “I can’t.” His eyes held hers.
Her heart fell. What had happened since they left the overlook? The spark between them was unmistakable, and she was sure he felt it also. Every time their skin touched, or their eyes met her skin tingled. Maybe she was mistaken…
“Hey, it’s nothing bad. I just . . .”
“I don’t understand why you don’t want to stay. I know we have a connection. I know there’s something here.” Maybe she misread him. Maybe it was just how he was. But she didn’t believe that.
The corner of his mouth ticked up in that sexy crooked grin, causing her stomach to flutter. “Oh yeah, there’s something here. That’s why I’m not coming in any farther. If I sit on that couch and kiss you, I won’t stop.” He squeezed her hands. “You have a lot to sort through, and I don’t want us to rush into anything. We have all the time in the world. I promise.”
A soft chuckle left her. She couldn’t believe that Adler the playboy, the ladies’ man, just said that to her.
He raised a brow.
Again, she chuckled. “I just can’t believe you’re the same guy I danced with a couple months ago. The guy who acted all sexy and gruff when he slid the garter on my leg. The guy who I was told was a player and just took girls to bed with no expectations.”
His eyes left hers and stared at the floor. She saw the muscle in his jaw clench. He shook his head and opened his mouth to speak.
Quickly, she covered it with her hand. “It’s okay. I’m sold on this new Adler, and after tonight, I’m pretty sure this is the real you. The one who doesn’t have to be someone he’s not.” She removed her hand and wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes so their eyes could meet. “This Adler is sweet, and kind, and loving, and hot.” She brushed her lips against his in a soft gentle kiss. “Thank you for showing me this side of you,” she whispered.
He kissed her lightly. “Thank you for bringing this side of me out.”
They stood there basking in the warmth of each other’s presence for a beat.
“I have a question.” Leila took a breath and bit her bottom lip.
“What’s up?”
“I’d love to see you tomorrow morning. Would you meet me at church?” She held her breath, not sure what he’d think of that. Was church even something he did?
Adler’s brows popped up. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to church.” He shrugged. “Sure. If I get to spend more time with you, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
She released her breath, and her face lit up. “Great. It starts at eight thirty. Text me when you get there.”
“I will. Now I really gotta go.”
Leila reluctantly agreed. If he stayed much longer, they wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation growing between them.She kissed him lightly and closed the door behind him, making sure to lock it tight as she leaned against it.
She wrapped her arms tightly around her body. “That was amazing. He is amazing.” Her heart swelled as memories of Adler and his kisses, his touches, filled her thoughts. The most amazing thing was he thought of Skylar also. “How did I get so lucky?”
She pushed away from the door and was on cloud nine as she brushed her teeth and got ready for bed.
Chapter 20
“Where are you going at this hour,” Tristan asked as he filled his coffee cup and eyed his cousin, “dressed like that?”
It was eight o’clock Sunday morning, and much earlier than Adler usually crawled out of bed on the weekend. He understood why Tristan was so confused but ignored the interrogation as he leaned around him, filled a to-go cup to the top with coffee, then adjusted his gray tie. “I’ll see you at the Pizza Place after church. I’m sure you’re meeting Stacey there. I figured Leila and I would come by and eat with you. Save us a seat.” He slapped Tristan on the back, smirked at the shocked look on his face, grabbed his coffee, and left.
He had the top of his mustang down and enjoyed the warm mid-July breeze as he drove down the interstate. The morning was thick with humidity, and the clouds were low and gray like it might rain. Before long, he pulled into the parking lot of Community Church where Leila attended, found a spot topark, and closed his roof just in case. He adjusted his tie again to loosen the constricting feeling it gave him and combed his fingers through his wind-blown hair. His heart raced nervously.
“Calm yourself, dude. It’s not like you’ve never been to church before. You did grow up in one.” Yeah, he had, but it had been a long while since he’d walked through the doors of any church. He took a deep breath, lifting his shoulders as he climbed out of the Mustang. “Relax, it’s not like you’ll be hit with a bolt of lightning.”
He sent Leila a text and stepped out of the car as a small roar of thunder sounded. He glanced up at the darkening sky. “Okay then, maybe a lightning strike is a possibility.” He picked up his pace and followed the small crowd, figuring they knew where they were going, through glass doors and down a hall.
Large doors opened ahead, and there she was. Leila looked beautiful in a yellow and white flowered sundress that fell just above her knees. When she saw him, the corners of her mouth lifted, which caused his heart to race. Her tanned skin looked soft and perfect against the yellow of the dress, and the green of her eyes popped.
He gave her a tight hug and kissed her gently on her cheek. Was that appropriate? He wasn’t sure. This was church, and the last time he’d attended a service, the only woman he wanted to hug was his mother, and his grandma if she was with them.
“I can’t believe you actually came.” She squeezed his hands.
