Page 53 of Essence of his Soul

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“Not as beautiful as you,” I replied, unable to keep the cheesy line from slipping out. But she laughed, and the sound was worth any embarrassment I might have felt.

She turned to face me, her cheeks flushed from the cold and maybe something more. “Thank you for tonight, Mark. I had a really great time.”

“So did I,” I said softly, pulling her closer. The space between us seemed to disappear as I looked into her eyes, searching for any sign I should pull back. But all I saw was warmth and something that looked much like what I felt.

Without overthinking it, I leaned in, kissing her forehead softly. It was simple, sweet, and somehow more intimate than anything else. She closed her eyes, leaning into the touch, and in that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

As we continued our walk back, hand in hand, I realized that letting go of control didn’t mean losing anything. If anything, I was gaining so much more—trust, connection, and the possibility of something real and lasting.

* * *

It was late when we finally left the bistro, the night air crisp and laced with the unmistakable scent of winter. I settled into the plush leather seat of the luxury car with a sigh of satisfaction, letting my thoughts drift as Mark set the vehicle in motion. Outside, the city was a blur of twinkling Christmas lights and holiday decorations, each corner glowing with festive cheer. But inside the car, it was just the two of us, surrounded by warmth and the quiet intimacy of the moment.

As we drove, I relaxed against the seat, watching the city slip by while Mark turned onto the highway, headingtoward Wilmington. The car was filled with the soothing strains of Stevie Wonder’sSomeday at Christmas. The smooth R&B melody wrapped around us like a cozy blanket, making conversation unnecessary. I was grateful for the silence because sitting beside this man, with his quiet strength and rugged charm, gave me plenty to think about. The anticipation I felt was undeniable, simmering just beneath the surface. Tonight, when Mark kissed me, I knew I wouldn’t resist.

We had just crossed the toll bridge when he finally broke the comfortable silence. “My mother asked me to invite you to Christmas dinner.”

I glanced over at him, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Would you like me to be there?”

Without taking his eyes off the road, he nodded. “I would be honored to introduce you to my family.”

“Then Tyler and I would be honored to attend,” I replied, a broad smile threatening to break free. Formally meeting his family felt like a significant step toward something deeper.

“Be prepared... they’re a huge and affectionate group.”

I nodded, already knowing what he meant. When I met his mother at the mall, Mrs. Saunders quickly pulled me into a warm embrace, and Kelly had been the same way during the entire year we taught together.

“My sister, Calaine, should be arriving on Christmas Eve with her family,” I heard him say.

“Kelly mentioned her before. Isn’t she the sister you just recently met?”

Mark nodded. “Yes, and I can’t wait to see her.”

I glanced at him as he navigated the highway, my pulse quickening at the sight of his strong, chiseled features. His dark skin glowed softly in the dim light, his jawline sharp and defined, a silent reminder of the strength he carried within him.

When we finally arrived at my place, Mark climbed out andquickly moved to my side, opening the door for me. The cold air hit us as we stepped out, but I barely felt it. My heart was racing too fast, and my mind was spinning about what might happen next.

We walked up the steps to my home, the sound of our footsteps interrupting the stillness of the night. I glanced at Mark, catching the fire burning deep in his eyes, even in the darkness. Desire had been simmering between us all evening, an unspoken emotion that had quietly built up, recognized only in fleeting touches and lingering glances. Now, it was just below the surface, ready to erupt. My stomach tightened, a familiar ache spreading through me. I wanted him—desperately.

As we reached the door, I fumbled for my keys, my hands shaking slightly with anticipation. When I finally managed to unlock it, we stepped inside. When I swung around, Mark was looking at me with that intense gaze that always seemed to strip me bare.

In that instant, it felt like time slowed down. His eyes locked onto mine, and the world around us faded away. My breath caught in my throat, my heart pounding wildly like it was trying to break free from my chest.

And then he gave me that slow, wicked smile—the one that sent my pulse into overdrive. It was slightly crooked, a reminder of the time he told me he had taken a nasty fall, cracking his jaw when he slipped from a rope. But that imperfection only added to his appeal, intensifying that rugged, bad-boy vibe that made him irresistible.

“I had a wonderful evening,” he said, his voice smooth and rich, washing over me like a warm wave.

I swallowed hard, struggling to find my voice amidst the swirl of emotions rising inside me. One thing was for sure—I couldn’t deny my feelings. Tamara was right. It was time to stop pretending. I knew where this evening would lead, and I knewexactly where I wanted to be. For the first time in a long while, I felt confident I was on the right path.

“I had a wonderful evening, too,” I managed to whisper, my voice husky with emotion. I smiled at him, letting the world fade away until it was just him and me, standing on the edge of something new.

Mark caught my shoulders and drew me toward him. His lips sought mine, and I was instantly lost, like every other time.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, arching so that my breasts pressed tightly against him. A gasp escaped my lips when Mark thrust his tongue inside my mouth, his hands slipping down my sides to grasp my waist. He inched forward, pressing me back against the door. When his mouth left mine to trail down my neck, I tipped my head slightly to the side, releasing a murmur of pleasure. I shuddered and brought his head back around so I could nip at his neck in return, enjoying the slight roughness of his chin against my lips and tongue.

“I love the way you taste,” he murmured, raising his head to kiss my lips again. He kissed me passionately, one hand dropping down over my stomach, then lower until it rested on my inner thigh. There, he caressed gently while his kisses became more teasing than satisfying. A growl of frustration slipped from my throat as I raised the hem of my dress, yearning to feel his hand touching something else. But instead of taking the lead, Mark softly kissed my nose and withdrew his hands.

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