Page 30 of His Forever

He chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent another rush of warmth through me. “Wow, indeed,” he replied, his eyes dark and intense. “You surprised me, Brynn.”

“Surprised you? I was the one who was surprised!” I shot back, still breathless. “I didn’t exactly come here looking for a kiss from you.”

“Really?” His eyebrow raised, the corner of his mouth lifting in a teasing smirk. “Because it looks like you’re ready to jump my bones.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep the lightness of the moment. “Please, I just wanted some pie. I didn’t know I’d find you half-dressed.”

“Half-dressed?” He laughed, glancing down at himself. “I’m wearing a T-shirt and sweats. Not exactly a fashion statement or half-dressed.”

“Your ‘half-dressed’ look is more appealing than you realize,” I said, biting my lip. “Especially when you’re leaning against the counter, looking like you just rolled out of bed.”

His expression shifted, turning serious. “You’re the one who was rummaging through the fridge like you own the place, looking all gorgeous with that confidence of yours. It’s impossible not to be drawn to you.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “You’re just saying that because you just kissed me.”

“No,” he said, his tone sincere as he stepped a little closer again, the heat radiating from him making it hard to concentrate. “I mean it. I’ve always thought you were beautiful, Brynn. But right now? You’re captivating.”

The sincerity in his voice sent my heart racing again, but I forced myself to keep the playful banter alive. “Okay, enoughwith the flattery. I’m just a woman who was looking for some pie.”

“I think you’re much more than that,” he said softly, his gaze steady on mine.

I let out a breath, feeling the weight of what was hanging between us. The kiss had shifted something in the air, and now everything felt charged with potential. I wanted to lean back into him, to feel those hands exploring again, but part of me hesitated. “What are we doing, Leo?”

He opened his mouth to speak, but then paused. “I don’t know. But it feels good, doesn’t it?”

“Good is an understatement,” I admitted, my heart pounding with uncertainty and excitement. “But we have a lot going on. We shouldn’t get distracted.”

“Distraction can be good,” he countered, stepping even closer, his presence overwhelming me. “Sometimes you need a distraction to make sense of everything else.”

I let that sink in. Could I really let myself get lost in this? Just the thought of it sent a thrill coursing through me, but my mind raced with the complications. “What if this complicates things?”

“Everything between us is complicated,” he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. “But you know it will be worth it.”

His gaze locked onto mine, and I felt my resolve crumbling. I was standing on the edge, teetering between wanting to dive in and holding back. “Leo, you don’t know what you’re asking.”

“Or maybe I do,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’m not going to pretend that this doesn’t matter to me. You matter to me. You always have.”

I swallowed hard, the gravity of his words sinking in. “But we have a history. A complicated one. One that ended with you pushing me away when things got hard.”

“I know,” he said, his thumb brushing gently against my cheek. “But maybe that history is what makes this even more important. We’ve both changed. We can redefine this.”

The way he looked at me made it hard to breathe. I could see the hope and sincerity in his eyes, and I wanted to believe him. But part of me was terrified of what would happen if I gave in. “What if we make things worse?”

“What if we don’t?” he countered, stepping even closer, his body almost brushing against mine. “I’m willing to take that risk if you are.”

My heart raced in my chest, caught between fear and exhilaration. I took a deep breath, searching Leo’s face for any signs of doubt. All I saw was certainty.

“So, what are you suggesting?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

“Just let it happen,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “Let’s stop overthinking everything and just enjoy the moment.”

I hesitated, my mind running a mile a minute. The pull between us was undeniable. I wanted to give in. I looked at him and realized I couldn’t let things go too far.

Not tonight.

Not yet.

I was ready to surrender to the heat, but part of me knew it was too soon.

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