Page 30 of Taking A Chance

“Also not sure,” she says, starting to laugh.

I shake my head as we enter the building. I realize this is the second time we’ve shared a meal together. It’s also the second time I’ve allowed myself to wonder if she feels like we’re on a date. For that matter, I briefly allow myself to wonder ifIfeel like we’re on a date.

19

Cora

Oh my god.Oh my god. Oh my god.Walking up these stairs feels like it’s taking forever, like time has suddenly slowed down. Because what the hell are we going to do when we get to the top? Surely, he didn’t consider this a date? Then why the fuck are we holding hands? Is he going to try to kiss me?Okay, calm down. Deep breath.

With my free hand, I pull my keys from my purse and grip them between my fingers, adjusting them so my door key is in position to unlock it.

“Thanks for coming along,” I say.

“It was my pleasure,” Declan says.

“We’re getting pretty good at this, huh?” I laugh.

“Good at what?” he asks.

“You know, not arguing or giving each other dirty looks,” I say, giggling.

Declan’s face grows wide with a smile, genuine but mischievous. “I suppose that’s true but to be fair, you’re the one who gave most of the dirty looks.”

I elbow him playfully in the ribs as we all reach the landing. The love birds settle into making out next to my door as Declan lets go of my hand so I can unlock my apartment. Jensen and Harper take the opportunity to basically jog inside and continue kissing each other.

“God, they’re sickening,” I huff.

Declan is standing next to me, watching them giggle and kiss each other. I turn just as he slides his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know, they seem pretty in love. It’s cute.”

I make an audible gagging noise. “Yeah, yeah. They’re in love, we get it.”

“Bitter, much?” he asks.

I twist, folding my arms over my chest. “Always.”

Declan catches my eyes with his, holding my gaze for a moment longer than is comfortable. I shift under his stare, unsure what to do now.

“Well, I better get in there before they start having sex on my couch or something,” I say, trying to keep the moment light.

Declan begins to lean down, his face coming straight at mine. For a second, I consider backing up but something inside me urges me not to budge. I part my lips like I’m about to protest, except I have no idea what I actually want to say.

A mere few inches away, Declan begins to lean to the side. Then, ever so delicately, he places a kiss on my cheek. “Goodnight, love.” His mouth hovers just over me and the breath of each word tickles my skin.

With that, he’s gone. Declan straightens up and backs away so quickly I don’t have time to even process what just happened before he’s in his apartment and out of sight.

My hand cups my face where his lips pressed. The sensation lingers as I stand there staring at his closed door. I have to physically shake my head back and forth to snap myself out of it and finally go inside my own apartment.

What the hell was that?Surely it was just a nice gesture, just being cordial.Right?Yes.I’m still rubbing my cheek when my eyes meet the scene on the couch.

“Please don’t have sex there,” I say. My brother and his wife are making out like two teenagers. “She’s pregnant. You’re going to squish the baby if you’re not careful.” My warning does nothing to curb their behavior so I resolve to retreating to my bedroom to avoid looking at it.

“Don’t worry, sis. I have excellent depth perception,” Jensen calls out toward me as I walk down the hall. His comment causes me to gag yet again and I hear Harper berating him behind me.

Once in the safety of my room, I undress for bed, my hand still occasionally finding its way up to my cheek. I can confirm Declan has soft lips. Very soft lips. The lingering effects of them on my skin lead me to believe he’s probably a very good kisser. And I bet he leaves his hair down during sex so it can pool all over your skin and make you tingle. And I bet he’s generous. And—

Holy shit, Cora.That spiraled quickly. Calm yourself down.

I lie back on my bed wearing nothing but my panties, twisting my hair around my fingers, examining the ends as a hundred questions race through my mind.

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