Page 47 of A Sudden Romance

Instead of answering, she held up both hands. “And for the record, you spoke just fine. You’re not as shy as you think.”

When he beamed, she couldn’t help herself. She closed the gap between them, leaned into him, and kissed his cheek, his stubble pricking her lips. “Good night, Sabastian.”

His eyes widened, and he sucked in a breath as his fingers lifted to touch the spot she’d kissed.

She turned and walked out of the room. Her heart was racing when she slid on her boots in the hallway before starting out of the door.

Her cheeks felt warm, too hot. Shaking her head, she pressed cold fingers to them. What just happened?

She swung open the door, closing it behind her.

“Iris.”

She heard him call as she shut the door, but she didn’t want him to notice how red her face was. Welcoming the cool air, she started down the steps. As she stepped off the last step onto the sidewalk, the front door clicked open, followed by Sabastian’s deep voice.

“Iris.” He was holding out his jacket. “It’s cold.”

“I’ll be fine.” She was too hot anyway.

He glanced at the garage. “Did you walk here?”

“I’m fine. I don’t mind walking.”

“I’ll drive you.”

She waved him off. “I’ll be fine, really.”

He tried to argue with her, and although he made sense about the wild animals, her heart was too full. With such adrenaline surging through her body, she could probably outrun a mountain lion.

“My family always treats me like I’m a child. Today, I’m breaking free.”

His eyes narrowed. Then he stepped behind her, holding the flannel jacket for her until she slid one hand, then another into it.

“There.” His breath dusted her ear when he leaned too close to pull the hood over her head. He then faced her, his hand gentle on her shoulder. The porch light illuminated his softened eyes. “You’re sure you don’t want me to walk you home?”

“I’m sure.” Although her mind was spinning with all sorts of ideas. If he walked her, maybe he’d kiss her good night. Was he a good kisser?

No. What if Mom and Dad were in the main room when she showed up? She’d look guilty and flustered.

She took a step backward, and his hand slid from her shoulder. She already missed its warmth. Reluctantly, she started walking on the paved pathway.

“I will text you in ten minutes to make sure you got home safely.” His words bounced off her back.

“You don’t think I’ll make it home?” She could see the house. With all her excited energy, she’d be skipping all the way. Sensing his scorching gaze on her back, she fought the urge to turn around. She eventually did, and his figure was still visible in the distance.

Back in the house, she could hear the sitcom’s laugh track and her parents’ voices echoing from the family room. With Sabastian’s coat hanging loosely on her, she pulled it closer to her chest, savoring his sweet scent of soap.

If she took the elevator to her bedroom, she’d have to step into the family room, and she wasn’t ready to update her parents. She’d return downstairs and talk to them after she composed herself. Plus, they’d have plenty of questions if they saw her clinging to his jacket.

The spruce tree at the bottom of the stairs wafted a pine scent. She felt like a teenager sneaking into the house as she carefully took one step at a time, catching her breath on the second floor before she took the next flight of stairs to her bedroom.

After shutting her childhood bedroom door behind her, she eased out of the jacket and tossed it on her bed, then flopped down beside it on her back.

Sabastian had been in love with her for how many years? She couldn’t remember if he’d said. She’d have to ask him how he managed to keep his feelings hidden.

Without thinking, she reached for the jacket and put it on her nose. She inhaled his scent, fresh and simple yet intoxicating. Who knew she’d find soap so refreshing?

Reopening her eyes, she stared at the abstract art on the wall, Joy’s paintings. Iris had painted her bedroom from peach to beige when they’d redesigned the house, but glimpses of her childhood remained in the two stuffed animals nestled with the glittering lights she’d strung along her dresser.

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