Page 22 of Embracing Trust

His voice is soft. Serious. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

My heart drops into my stomach and my legs go weak.

“How about this?” I touch my index finger lightly to my lips and as I look into his eyes, I reach up and tenderly touch my finger to his lips. He quickly grasps my wrist and runs soft kisses across my fingers and knuckles. I’m frozen and I can’t move, hypnotized by my longing. He moves my hand to his cheek which is warm and familiar. He takes a step closer, his breath on my face and I’m motionless.

He’s going to kiss me. I want this. I’m going to kiss him.

As his lips lightly brush against mine, I let out a tiny moan and move my mouth with his. The kiss is gentle, and we both pull away.

His voice is barely above a whisper. “Does he kiss you like that?”

Oh my gosh. I can’t breathe. It’s been so long since I’ve felt so cared for—so cherished. It’s been too long.

I bite my bottom lip. I can’t answer.

Ryan raises one eyebrow. “I didn’t think so.”

Stop with the damn eyebrow thing.

Ryan pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. “What’s your number? Can I call you?”

I hesitate.

“How about this?” Ryan holds out his hand. “Hand me your phone and I’ll put my number in andyoucan callme. Honestly, I would love to see the house sometime.” He rubs the back of his neck. “If you’re okay with that.”

I let out a breath. He isn’t pushing me.

Am I okay with that?There’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeing Ryan. We’ve known each other a long time and he’s an important part of my past. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong.

“I would like you to see the house.”

I open my clutch purse, hand him my phone, and watch as he opens my contact list and adds his number.

“There.” He hands my phone back to me. “Call me anytime.” He winks. “And if you ever need me to knock that boyfriend of yours around, let me know. I’d be happy to oblige.”

For a split second, I imagine Ryan and Luke in a tussle on my behalf and almost let out a giggle.

With shaky hands, I manage to unlock the door and turn to him again. I smile. “Thanks again. It was fun.”

“I’ll see you around.”

And with that, he swaggers down my porch steps and struts to a waiting Bella Black. I stand frozen on my porch as I delight in his every move. He guns the engine, backs down my driveway and once the car is on the street, he looks my way and gives me a sexy wave. I wave back.

Oh, my heart.

He opens it up, squeals the tires, and disappears down Beachside Lane.

I stand on my porch for a moment and try to catch my breath. What the heck just happened?

I think it’s time to stop pretending. Although I do still want to be friends with him, deep down this is a lot more than a friendship. It’s too late because my heart is already involved. I need to listen to my head though because trusting a man has never been a good idea and it always breaks my heart. Always.

Chapter Eleven

Julia

My doorbell chimes and takes me away from my peaceful sleep. What time is it anyway? I open my eyes, surprised to see the sun peeking through the edges of my bedroom shades. I rub my eyes and there it is again.

Ding-dong.

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