Page 37 of An Unexpected Match

“Right now, I want to kiss you. Do you want me to?”

She swallowed, afraid she’d imagined his comment.

“But it can’t mean anything,” she protested.

He reached for her and pulled her closer, resting his hands on either side of her neck, using his thumbs to gently tilt her head until she was only inches from his. Slowly, his thumbs caressed the line of her jaw.

“It can mean two people like each other and like what being together can do for them. I enjoy touching you, kissing you. It won’t go any further. I’m not looking for an affair or to get involved again. And didn’t you tell me you weren’t interested in a permanent relationship? Was that true or just words?”

Her hands grasped his wrists, but she didn’t know if she wanted to pull his arms away or hold on for dear life.

Nodding slightly, she said, “I’m not looking to get involved in a relationship. That part’s true. I’m never getting married. And I can’t have an affair with you.”

“I never asked you to.”

“Then I guess I wouldn’t mind another kiss,” she said in a rush.

There was something wrong with the logic here somewhere, but she couldn’t figure it out right now. Brendan Ferguson wanted to kiss her, and Arden felt her day would not be complete if he didn’t.

She closed her eyes when his lips touched hers.

“Is Arden hurted?” Avery asked just as the screen door slammed behind her.

Arden and Brendan jumped apart.

“What?”

“Oh, honey, no I’m not hurt.”

“Why was Daddy kissing you to make it better?”

Swallowing hard, Arden looked at Brendan.

“You field that one. I’m going to get started on making hamburgers.”

Embarrassed heat flooded through her. What if he had kissed her, really kissed her instead of a brushing of lips?

What would they have done if Avery or Hailey had seen them?

Affection between relatives was important. But she and Brendan weren’t related. And never would be. She didn’t want to give the wrong impression to anyone.

But the disappointment that swelled was hard to contain. They’d been so close. So wondrously close. If only Avery could have slept just a few more minutes.If only.

Arden wondered what impression they’d present to an outsider if someone watched dinner that night. It was an immense success. The girls faithfully stood by their father watching him grill the meat with total concentration and fascination.

Not that Arden blamed them. She’d like to sit and watch Brendan, too. But she made a quick salad, gathered the condiments, set the card table and carried out the drinks. Keeping busy made more sense, and kept her from silly daydreams.

After they ate, they all piled into Brendan’s car to go to the ice-cream parlor. No ice-cream maker had been located to try homemade. Arden wondered if she could find one somewhere and have it the next time she got the notion. She knew the girls couldn’t turn the handle once the ice cream got solid, but they’d love to take a turn at the beginning. And they could always add the salt and ice as it melted.

For a little while, Arden let herself imagine it’d always be like this. Brendan talking to her and the girls, the children excited and laughing, her own heart full and content.

If she stared at his mouth more than she should have, she hoped he didn’t notice. If only Avery had slept just a bit longer, she’d have got to plunge into a deep kiss that probably would have rocked her world.

Chapter Nine

It was after nine by the time they returned home. Arden wondered if Brendan would comment on how late the girls were up. It was definitely a break in routine. But it was summer, and another happy memory had been made. Arden considered it well worthwhile.

She bathed them and had them in bed when Brendan came up to tuck them in.

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