Page 21 of Charming Crosschecks

“Oh my gosh, Gerry… relax.”

“You’re sitting on my lap.”

“Yes, I am, so we can both be in the photo.”

“But… your butt is…”

“On your leg,” she chuckled softly, fighting back a laugh. “I promise you the two layers of denim will save all propriety.”

“But…”

“We established that,” she laughed, unable to help herself. “Now, can you quit looking terrified and smile for the picture.”

“Molly…”

“Is this about my butt again?” she smiled, suddenly feeling a little shy at how close she was to him and the differences between them. She turned slightly, her breath catching as she stared into his green eyes.

“You’re so incredibly…nice,” he whispered softly, his eyes searching hers. At his hesitation, she knew he wanted to say something else.

“You’re making me feel nervous,” she hesitated.

“Why?”

“It’s the way you look at me.”

“Like I’m shocked you are here with me?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’m not that great of a catch.”

“Who said I caught you?”

“Good point,” he said, his voice hoarse as he looked away – and she turned slightly, touching his cheek to have him turn back to her.

“I don’t think it’s about being ‘caught’ but rather discovering something that you didn’t realize was there,” she whispered softly.

“I like that.”

“Discovering… me?”

And to her surprise, Gerry closed the space between them, brushing the softest and most gentle kiss she’d ever experienced in her entire life on her lips. It was like the whisper of a butterfly’s wing and it was almost as ethereal, making her wonder if it even happened. If she couldn’t feel the warmth of his breath at that moment, she would swear that she was having some fantastical dream.

“We should probably take that picture before our dinner arrives,” he said in a hoarse voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry I jumped the gun but… no, actually, I’m not sorry.”

And this made her chuckle softly as she met his eyes.

“I’m not sorry at all,” he admitted. “I’ve wanted to kiss you ever since I walked out of your office this afternoon.”

“Really?”

“Yeah…”

“Maybe you c-could kiss me again later?”

“On our second date?”

“Or third,” she teased softly, marveling at this strange man.

---