Page 3 of Ten Kisses

"Really?"

"Yes, but it's not because of things that have happened with us. It's because I like your chocolate idea."

"I don't think it's because of that other stuff," I said shyly. "If anything, I would think that could hurt my chances."

He laughed. "I doubt it…" he trailed off, standing up. "You said it could happen up to ten times between friends, so we're almost done with that. It's already happened eight."

"Nu-uh. Four," I said.

"Four different evenings, but at least eight times."

"That doesn't count," I said. "When I said ten times, I meant ten different occasions."

"You are too adorable, Molly Kennedy. I can't deny you." He stood up, shaking his head. He already had the paper neatly rolled in his hand as he took a step toward the door.

"What are you not denying?" I asked as I stood up with him. "Are you going to make the counter?"

"Yes," he said with a half-smile.

Salem was irresistibly handsome.

"Thank you, Salem. Thank you so much." I shook his hand nervously. It was his left hand, since his right was occupied, and it was a bit awkward, but I was excited. "I'll help you with your house anytime, and whatever else you need. Oh, and I… I have this for you."

I turned and jogged into my small kitchen area. It was technically part of this room, but I currently had a couple of room dividers up to block the view for customers. I ducked around them and retrieved the package. I had taken my time and put a lot of care into it. It was a sample box with five different types of chocolate and two large chocolate-dipped strawberries.

"What's this?" he asked, not opening it.

"It's a few of my… it's just a little sample box."

"Thank you," he said, looking surprised and happy. He walked to my door and turned to me with a smile before he pulled on the handle.

I grinned at him. "You're welcome."

"I'm not going to kiss you right now," he said.

"Okay," I said, with a shrug, as if I didn't care.

He lifted the box. "We've got the chocolates, and the counter, and you'll be helping me with the house. We only have a few left."

"Six."

"I'm saving them," he said.

"I'm fine with that," I said. "We don't have to ever do that again. I didn't want it to be something you felt like you had to avoid with me."

"I don't feel like I have to avoid it," he said.

"Okay. That's fine. Just so we're good. It's not awkward. I know I'm not awkward." I put my hand to my chest. We were at the door. He had his hand on my doorknob, waiting to open it. In his other hand, he was holding the box and the papers. Salem looked like he belonged on a yacht. He had brown, longish hair that he always kept combed back and tucked behind his ears. He looked casual and cool, but he was disciplined and known for being strict with his moral standards.

Sadie's whole family was like that. Both of her brothers were outspoken about their faith and both of them mentored and led small groups for younger boys. Salem was too straight and strict to continue a kissing relationship with me. I knew that months ago when I had proposed the idea to him. I was not his type, and I was lost in thought, considering that when he kissed me.

The hand that had been on the door, moved to the side of my face. I felt him grip me gently, and I looked his way. My glance was met with contact. He leaned in and, yes, goodness, there were one, two, three, four, tender kisses. He pulled back and smiled at me. I tried not to look overwhelmed, but I felt that ache of attraction in the lower part of my core.

"It's not awkward," he said easily. "And that one doesn't need to count toward our total."

"No, that was nothing," I agreed, trying my best not to be breathless.

"And next time we see each other. We should probably skip it. Even if we're alone."

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