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Louanne
I wake with a start,my heart racing as memories of yesterday flood back—Henrik’s lips claiming mine, his hands tangling in my hair, the heat of his hard body pressed against me. I run my fingers over my mouth, still feeling his kiss, sweet and simmering.
Then, his words replay in my mind. He loves me. He’s falling in love with me. I heard him say it to Paul. Even after our text exchange last night, I don’t know what happens now.
Awkwardness, no doubt. We’ve complicated our just-repaired friendship. Will things ever be the same between us again?
My stomach twists as I picture seeing him today—averted gazes, stilted conversation. The ease between us will now be strained.
Maybe it was a mistake, one impulsive moment that can’t be undone. I shouldn’t have let it happen.
But when his mouth claimed mine, the world faded away—logic, common sense, all of it. I was lost in his taste, his scent, the strength of his arms. It felt right even as my head screamed against it.
I drag myself from bed with a groan. Hiding here all day is tempting, but we have a festival to plan.
I shuffle to the shower, avoiding my reflection—still upset with the woman who let desire override restraint. The hot water helps settle my nerves, but they ramp back up as I dress and prepare to face him.
Yet when I open the front door, ready to leave, there Henrik is—two paper cups and a bakery bag in hand.
My heart stammers as words fail me.
“Good morning.” His voice is warm, his smile easy. No trace of awkwardness at all. “Were you sneaking off without me? I come bearing gifts, as promised.”
He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. I’m too stunned to react.
“Shall we?” He gestures to his SUV at the curb, calm and collected.
Clutching the chai latte he brought, I let Henrik guide me into the passenger seat. His normal demeanor catches me off guard. Perhaps this won’t be awkward after all.
I take a sip of chai, letting the warmth and spice ground me. Henrik pulls onto the road, focused on driving, though his free hand finds mine.
“About last night . . .” he begins. My pulse kicks up. Here it comes. “I know we texted, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
Same page? I’m not even sure we’re reading the same book.
“I’m falling for you,” he continues. “And I hope we can find our way to each other.” He glances over, blue eyes intense.
“Sounds doable—” The words tumble out in my haste to reassure him. “It’s just . . . complicated.”
He nods. “I know. We’ll take things slow.”
I study his profile as he drives, marveling at his composure while my thoughts spin wildly.
“It’s been a long time since someone kissed me like that,” I confess. But if I’m being honest with myself, maybe never have I been kissed by anyone the way he kissed me—with such adoration and care. No one has cherished me the way he did. The way hedoes.
His eyes crinkle at the corners. “There’s more where that came from. You just say when you’re ready.”
I suck in a shaky breath. “Henrik, there’s something you should know. Back then, as teenagers . . . I had a major crush on you.” The admission rushes out.
He grins over at me. “Well, that’s good, because those feelings were definitely mutual.” He continues, “Lots of things stopped me back then. You were younger and . . . Paul’s little sister. Off-limits.”
Still looking at the road ahead as he drives, he adds gently, “None of that matters now. We’re here together.” His thumb rubs over my knuckles comfortingly. “So tell me, did you think more about wanting this?” After a reassuring squeeze, he returns his hand to the steering wheel, keeping his focus on driving safely.
I hesitate, emotions seesawing. I want him, want us, but it’s dangerous to rush in blindly.
“I want to see where this leads,” I finally say. “But slowly. I have the kids to consider first.”
“We’ll go at your pace. I’m not going anywhere this time.”
