Page 23 of Enemy Kisses

Her eyes widen. “Oh, wow. That’s some legacy.”

I nod. “It’s a lot of pressure, if I’m honest. Dad still stops by from time to time to tell me what I’m doing wrong. But he means well. He dedicated most of his life to the pub, so it’d be hard for him to let it go completely.”

Harry covers my hand and gently squeezes. I flip my hand over to tangle my fingers with hers. “That’d be tough. Parental judgment can be hard.”

Here’s my opening. “How are you feeling after the visit from your parents on Monday?”

She blows out a heavy breath and focuses on the conveyor belt, then grabs a plate of wakame,so I collect a plate of tomago nigiri, worried that she’s going to clam up. “I’m sorry you and everyone else had to witness my parents. I don’t know how I manage, but I always seem to forget how toxic they are. They’ve always been like that. Thankfully, they traveled a lot with my dad’s work, so I spent most of my time with my grand-mère.” A smile touches her kissable lips. “She gave me my love for French treats. We spent many hours in her kitchen making delicately flakey croissants and beautifully light crêpes.”

“Sounds like you were close.”

Her face softens, taking on a wistful look. “Yeah, we were. It was hard in her final years when I had to watch her memories fade. She didn’t remember me or the times we shared. She thought I was a sweet stranger who’d spend time with her occasionally, even though I visited with her every day.” I tighten my fingers around hers, and she lifts a delicate shoulder. “I knew it was inevitable, so I tried not to take it personally.”

We’re both quiet for a few moments. “I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you.”

“She’s the reason I opened the café. I wanted to honor her memory. It was something we used to talk about doing together one day.”

I reach over and stroke my hand down her cheek, and she leans into my touch. “She’d be proud of what you’ve built in a short time.”

Her lips tip up. “Yeah. I think she’s watching over me.” This close, I can see the various shades of green that make up her eyes. I can also see the happiness as well as a tinge of sadness shimmering within their depths.

We finish eating, then I pay for dinner and congratulate myself on taking Harry on a pseudo date without her realizing it. Harry grabs the uniforms and we head back to the pub as the sun kisses the horizon. As I turn off the engine, my heart stutters that our time together has ended unless I can coax her to come in for a drink.

“Did you want to come in for a drink?” I ask as we both climb out of my car.

Harry glances at the pub, then back to me. “Sorry. I need to finish my prep for the morning, then I should get home. I have an early start.”

“Oh right, fair enough.” I walk to the back of the car to meet Harry halfway. “Thanks for giving Matthew a chance. I know he won’t let you down.”

“No problem. Matthew and I will both benefit from the arrangement.”

I step closer and cup Harry’s face, then slide my fingers into her curls and tilt her face up to mine. I scan her delicate features in the near darkness. She swallows and licks her lips, and I can’t hold back any longer. I touch my lips to hers in a barely there press. She pushes up onto her toes and our mouths come together, making full contact. I drop my other hand to her hip and pull her tight to my body as I swipe my tongue across her lips with a groan. Harry moans and wraps her arms around my neck, tangling her fingers in my hair, making my heart skip a beat. Her short nails scrape my scalp, sending sparks racing through my body. My cock decides it’s time to come out to play and rises to attention, filling my pants. I press my groin against Harry’s stomach and nip her bottom lip with my teeth. As she moans, I take the opportunity to slide inside, to taste her. Harry isn’t a passive participant in the kiss. She gives as good as she gets. Our tongues explore and our breaths mingle together with her sighs and my moans.

The sound of glass bottles clanking on the pavement tears us apart, and I scan the parking lot, but we’re alone. If someone was out here, they’re gone now. I glance down at Harry’s gorgeous face and have to assume her cheeks are flushed from our kiss since it’s dark now. She takes a step back and I reluctantly let her go.

“I … uh … should finish up so I can get home.” She bends down to pick up her shopping. “Thanks for this and for dinner. It was … really nice.” Pressing up on her toes, she lays a light peck on my bristly cheek, and I feel it all the way to my soul. It’s innocent in its nature, yet it means so much coming from Harry.

“I’ll walk you across the alley.” I take the shopping from her and tangle my fingers with hers.

She smiles up at me as we walk, her security lights coming on as we get close to her building. “Thanks, Finn. For everything. I’ll … um … I’ll see you when I see you.”

Resting my hand above Harry on the doorframe, I press in close and lower my head to take another kiss. I don’t want our evening to end, but if it has to, then I want more kisses to hold me over. We pick up where we left off, and our kiss goes from zero to one hundred in mere seconds. By the time we pull apart, we’re both breathing heavily into the night air.

I kiss her forehead, my lips lingering for a moment. “Goodnight, Harry.” I step away from her, tuck my hands in my pockets, and watch her fumble with the lock.

She glances over her shoulder. “Night, Finn.” Then she disappears inside.

CHAPTER13

–harriet–

I blowout a long breath as I drop into my office chair. Every day seems busier than the last, and I’m not about to complain, but it’s exhausting. Thank goodness I found Matthew. While he waits tables, Judy assists me behind the counter. Some days, we even get the opportunity to take a break. Most days, though, I don’t seem to stop from the minute I walk in here until I walk out in the late afternoon. It’s a long-ass day. But the business is doing amazing—beyond my wildest dreams.

“Knock. Knock.”

I head straight for the back door to greet Stella, adjusting my ponytail on the way. “Hey.”

“Hey.” She points behind her. “I had to park down the street today.”

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