Page 22 of An Engagement Pact

“I told you it wasn’t an insult.”

“It feels like a slap in the face anyway.” His shoulders are still stiff, and so is his expression. I’ve never seen him without his easy smile.

“You asked! I wouldn’t have said anything about it, but you asked.”

“I know I did.” He shakes his head and gives me a faint smile. “I’m not being defensive here. You’re right. Entirely right. But it makes me feel...”

I lean forward. Reach out to touch his knee over his casual tan trousers. “Most people do things like that. We shape the person we want to show to the world and hide the parts of us that are most vulnerable. You’re not weird or deceptive or some kind of oddball, Dan. You’re just like everyone else. But you’re smarter and more competent than a lot of people, so your act has been more effective than some other people’s.”

That makes him laugh. It huffs out of him, raw and throaty, and then he gently touches my hand on his knee. “Now you’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“No, I’m not. I think it’s true.”

Our gazes lock for an uncomfortably long time. “What about you?” he asks at last, low and slightly thick.

“What about me?”

“What act do you put on to hide the vulnerable parts of yourself from the world?”

I lick my lips as I think this through. I want to answer him honestly. It feels like it’s only fair. “I... I like to act like I’m completely self-sufficient. Unfazed by anything. Not because I’m trying to hide but because I honestly want to be that way. But I don’t know if I really am. Parts of me still feel... needy. Even though I don’t want to be.”

He picks up my hand. Turns it and squeezes it with his warm fingers. “You don’t act needy.”

“Yeah. That’s my point. I don’t want to be.”

“Maybe all of us are a little needy.”

“Maybe.” I gulp. He’s leaned over slightly, and his eyes never leave my face. I swear he’s about to kiss me.

And I want it.

I want it so much.

I’ve never felt more needy than I do at this exact moment.

My hands are shaking slightly, and I know he’ll feel it. My cheeks flush hot, and I know he’ll see it. My breath is coming out in soft pants.

With his free hand, he cups my cheek. “Vicky.”

“Y-yes?”

“Can I check something?”

I blink. “Check... something?”

“Yes.” He leans farther and eases me closer at the same time until our lips are pressing against each other in a soft kiss.

The delicious tingling of nerve endings makes me gasp. I lean into the kiss automatically, and he holds my head still with both hands so he can lengthen the kiss.

He doesn’t push it deeper. Just the lightest glancing of lips against lips. Then he settles his mouth around my lower lip and gives it a gentle tug that fills me with a rush of pleasure.

It feels so good, and I want it so much. Want even more.

Need more.

And it’s terrifying.

I withdraw quickly, straightening up and turning my head away so I can catch my breath and collect my scattered control.

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