Page 95 of Risks

I sigh heavily before admitting, “Jasperkissed me on—”

“What?” he roars, the ivory shade ofhis skin turning red with anger. “You kissed another guy?”

“Hekissed me on my cheek,” Ihurry to explain. “And I definitely didn’t want it. He surprised me. I pushedhim away.”

I watch how he’s huffing and tickinghis jaw. “And you’re still hanging out with him?”

“I’m not. I swear. Plus, I’ve neverbeen alone with Jasper. It was always with other friends.”

He scoffs and rubs his forehead.

“Varen…”

“So you’re going to New York withthe guy who kissed you. Great. He obviously likes you, and he’ll spend thesummer trying to get you.”

“Varen, it’s aninternship,”I stress, touching his face. “No one will take me from you. My heart is yoursforever. It was a peck on the cheek. I swear I pushed him away. Nothing elsehappened. You trust me, don’t you?”

He releases a deep breath and holdsmy hand. “Yeah. Just don’t hang out with him or other guys.”

My nerves settle, and I lean in fora quick kiss. “You never have to worry about that. You’re my love. I only told youwhat happened because I don’t want any secrets. We should always be honest.Okay?”

There’s a delay before he says, “Yeah.”He looks down at my hand.

“I love you, Varen.”

“Love you, Toya.” He draws me backinto his arms and captures my mouth for an all-consuming kiss.

43

“I love this place!” Toya shouts, stretchingher hands above her head, dark curls unruly in the force of the winds. She’s relishingthe scenic drive in my grandpa’s classic Spitfire convertible. “And I loveyou!”

I chuckle when she plants a kiss onmy face. “Love you, too.” Guilt sneaks in right after.

I should have told her about Kelly, consideringshe admitted that guy kissed her. It still fucking irks me, and I want to flyto Los Angeles and break his jaw with my fist. But it was on the cheek, and I’msure Toya will be livid if I tell her Kelly kissed me on my lipsandtouched my cock.

“Babe?” she yells, giggling.

I snap out of my thoughts and glanceat her briefly. “Yeah? You said something?”

“Could we find a bakery? I’m cravingScottish shortbread and cranachan. Your grandma says she’ll bake later, but Iwant some now.”

“Oh, okay. Sure.” I hold her hand onmy thigh when she reaches over the middle console.

“You good?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I assure her with a smile.“I’m good.”

After an hour of driving andadmiring the landscape, I head to the seaside town of North Berwick. Despiteseveral nosy glances, Toya’s excited to stroll around, take pictures, and checkout the shops.

We stop at a bakery and enjoy acouple of Scottish desserts before walking down to the beach.

Removing our shoes, we hold hands aswe wander along the shoreline, letting the small waves wet our feet.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,”Toya says while staring at the ocean. “I’m no longer trying to be the perfectdaughter or worrying if I’m doing enough. I feel…weightless.” She looks at me, thebrown hue of her eyes glistening in the sunlight. “I’m so damn happy.”

Stopping her from walking, I drawher closer and loop my arms around her body. “I’m glad you are, babe.” I kissher hard, uncaring of the people walking by.

I utter a low growl at her lips whenthe kiss ends, always needing more, and I can tell Toya feels the same from thehazy look misting her gaze.

---