Page 14 of Essence of his Soul

I blinked twice, entirely thrown off balance. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, his tone serious now, no trace of the teasing left.

I could only stare at him, the weight of his words hanging in the air between us.The way it should be?I wasn’t sure I was ready for that conversation.

I saw flickers of desire darken his eyes. He wanted me. The need was written all over his face. When Mark leaned closer, I knew he was going to kiss me. I had made that mistake last night and knew I was about to do it again. I knew I should have stopped him and moved as far away from him as possible, but a part of me couldn’t wait.

When his lips lowered and our mouths met, the kiss was nothing like the one the night before. This time, it was filled with glorious heat and hunger, no baby wedged between us. His full, supple lips teased and coaxed my full cooperation.

I tried fighting for control, but instead, I met his lips with firm, demanding pressure. I tried pushing him away, but when I placed my hand on his hard chest, the feel of his firm muscles melted any further resistance.

I was a woman who in no way could resist this man.

The intense kiss sent my senses spinning. My mouth opened under his probing tongue, and when I moaned, Mark responded by deepening the kiss. His tongue plunged into my mouth, sliding seductively against mine.

Mark made me feel a desire I thought had ceased to exist. His large hand glided along my waist, across my hips, and down to cup my bottom. What was happening spiraled quickly, leaving me gasping for air.

When his warm lips left mine, I became annoyed that I hadn’t found the energy to be the one to pull away. Instead, his kiss left me feeling weak and lightheaded.

“Now, are you ready to talk?” he asked softly, his warm breath fanning my nose.

Annoyed, I turned on the sofa to face him. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Us.”

That single word sent a jolt through me, making all my girly parts tingle.

“I’ve only known my son for one day, and already I love him. I want him to be a part of my life. I want him to have all the joys I had as a child.”

A muscle twitched at my jaw. “What are you trying to say? That I’m incapable of providing for my son?”

“Not at all.” Mark reached for my hand, his fingers warm and steady. “I think you’ve done a fabulous job. I’m trying to say that Tyler needs the love of two parents.”

Trying to ignore the heat radiating from his touch, I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I agree.”

“Good,” Mark said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Then you won’t have any objections.”

Had I missed something? “Objections to what?”

“Marrying me.”

Chapter 4

I looked at him like he had just lost his damn mind. There was no way I heard him right.

"What did you just say?"

That familiar dimple appeared as he flashed me a smile, his eyes never leaving mine. " I asked you to marry me."

"Nope. Not happening," I shot back without missing a beat. "But thanks for the offer."

Mark's smile faded, clearly not expecting that response. "Can you think about it before shutting me down like that?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. If only Mark knew how many nights I spent dreaming about becoming Mrs. Saunders, replaying this exact moment in my head. But now, hearing those words felt empty. "There's nothing to think about, Mark. The answer's gonna stay the same."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, eyes searching mine like he was trying to find a way in. "Essence, be reasonable."

"I am being reasonable," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite my heart flipping. "But tell me this—when exactly did you come up with this brilliant idea? Before or after you found out about Tyler?"

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