Page 38 of Scores Of The Heart

“So good.”

“Tongue?”

I shake my head. “It was soft, he was tender.”

She’s deep in thought, assessing the information I’m giving her. “Do you wanna slap his salami?”

“Caitlin!”

“I’m just asking,” she laughs.

“Look, I’m feeling things I’ve never really felt before. There’s no doubt about it. And he’s experienced. You know Tyler’s reputation. He’s used to having women throwing themselves at him. He’s famous for goodness sake. Imagine how many women he’s had!”

“I don’t think it matters at all. There’s nothing to be scared of, Cinds. If he likes you, he’ll like you for who you are. You don’t have to rush things, and you don’t have to change who you are.”

I smile. “Thanks, sis. I’ll certainly keep you posted.”

“You’d better.”

We hug again.

“In all seriousness, it’s okay to be cautious,” Cait says. “But you have to live a little too. The world isn’t as big and bad as we sometimes think it is. There are good guys out there.”

I nod, appreciating the sentiment. She knows I’ve been through a lot and climbed a few mountains to get to where I am now.

“Does Liam ever tell you you’re a little firecracker?” I muse as I open the driver’s door.

“Every other day,” she giggles. “I’ll see you next weekend?”

“Sounds good. I’ll come over.”

“I love you,” she says.

A wedge forms in my throat. I’m so damned lucky to have a sister I can talk to like this. “I love you too, Cait.”

* * *

I feel better for getting it out to Caitlin. I’ve been harboring these feelings all week, so to say them out loud and be able to talk about him without prying ears or judgment is a relief.

I don’t even pull out of the lot before I dig out my cell and check my messages.

I programmed his name in there last night when he sent me a ‘hello’ text when we exchanged numbers in the car.

Tyler

Hey, Cindy. Hope you’re having a great rest of your weekend. I enjoyed our kiss a little too much. Though I’m sorry if I was inappropriate. I can’t stop thinking about you.

I stare at the message as the butterflies pick up again in my stomach. He unglued me so damned easily. I can’t stop thinking about you?

This man!

Then I read the second message he sent while I was in the parking lot.

Tyler

Do you want to meet for coffee during the week? That’s if you’re still talking to me.

I stare at both messages for probably a full five minutes, not being able to stop thinking about how his fingers slid down my throat, past my décolletage and grazed my breast, his thumb rubbing over my nipple while he kissed me. Yes, it was forward. But I encouraged him to do it, and am I sorry about it? Nope.

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