Page 31 of Love Her

“Huh?”

“Dating. Yes or no.”

“I don’t know.”

Because I don’t. Can I date? Sure. My parents would love it. Heck, I think my kids would love it more. Have I? Hell no. I’ve been too busy trying to figure out how I was so stupid to give a man nine years of my life to only walk away with a suitcase of clothes and a few photos.

“I would like to take you out. If I were to ask you, what would you say?”

He moves a fraction of an inch, one hand resting on the counter next to me. I’m not caged and could easily move if I wanted. I don’t.

“I think I would say yes.”

Slowly, he smiles. His big brown eyes brighten. I notice for the first time how long his lashes are. Slowly he blinks, his gaze dropping to my lips. My breathing increases in anticipation.

“Lis?”

“Hmm?”

“I’d like to kiss you.”

“Mm-hmm.”

He’s rendered me speechless already and he hasn’t even touched me. Slowly, he steps into my space, his free hand resting on my hip while he lifts the hand from the counter and cups my face. His thumb, rubbing circles on my cheekbone is rough on my soft skin, sending shivers down my spine.

Time stands still as he leans down, lips gently brushing across mine. It’s barely a touch, so light I wonder if I’ve imagined it. I know I didn’t when he brushes them again, this time with purpose. His lips are soft and full. I’ve wondered how I’d feel in this moment. The first kiss after Michael. I realize quickly this isn’t only the first post-divorce kiss, this is the best first kiss of my life.

When the hand on my waist tightens and pulls my body flush to him, I feel the ground turn to lava beneath my feet. It’s the only way I can describe the heat that runs through my body. From my feet to my chest, it’s warm and fiery. His body is hard, and I melt into it greedily. The connection of my breast on his chest pushes a moan from my mouth, an invitation for his tongue.

For what feels like hours, we lose ourselves in the kiss. Consumed by the newness of it all, I’m aware of every nerve ending in my body wakening like a bear after a long winter nap. The need to touch him. To be touched by him is too much.

Slowing down the pace, Connor pulls back, his forehead resting on mine. Both of us breathing heavy but not moving. Finally, he takes a small step back and lifts his hands to cup both sides of my cheeks. Tilting my head back, he searches my face like he’ll find an answer to a burning question.

“Was that too much?”

Smiling, I shake my head, still unable to put two words together. He laughs, places a peck to my lips. “Good thing we got that first kiss out of the way before our first date.”

That makes me laugh and because I’m feeling brazen, I lift to my toes and place a kiss to his lips. “Best to get that out of the way.”

“I’m going to go before it gets too hard to leave.”

Nodding, I let him take my hand, linking our fingers as he walks to the door. Unlocking the deadbolt, he opens it and turns to face me.

“Thanks for the pie. I’ll call you tomorrow. Okay?”

“Do you have my number?”

“Benefits of being a coach.”

The smile on my face must be blinding, but I can’t find a reason to care. Connor jumps from the top step to the walkway and turns around. His grin matches mine as he winks and jogs down to his truck. When he’s settled behind the wheel, I close the door and flip the lock again.

Resting my back to the hardwood, I lift my fingers to my lips and wonder what in the world just happened.

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