Page 46 of How Sweet It Is

I run a finger down her cheek. Her skin is warm and smooth, and it makes me crave her lips even more. “Then why are you blushing?”

“Because you’re standing too close.”

“I’m not standing as close as I want to be.” I don’t know why I say that. It just pops out. But it makes Amelia’s blush deepen, which is satisfying.

Amelia doesn’t say anything, so I try again. “How about testing your first date on me? It doesn’t have to be any big deal. I’d just like to try it without your handsy cousin around.”

Amelia snorts, which makes me chuckle. “He’s not handsy.”

“And he’s not your cousin.”

She doesn’t correct me. I stare into her deep-brown eyes. They’re like liquid pools of chocolate, and they mesmerize me.

“I can’t date you,” she whispers.

I take a step toward her, and she backs up, but the wall is behind her, and she can’t back away anymore. I place my hand on the wall behind her. “Can’t or won’t?”

“Can’t.”

I let this sink in. Why would she not be able to date me? Unless… she is in a relationship with Rafe and just didn’t want to tell me. “Are you dating Rafe?”

Her eyes grow wide, and she shakes her head. “No.”

At least that’s the truth. I can tell she’s not lying about that. “You’re not dating anyone?”

“No.”

“You’re not married, are you?”

She looks horrified. “No.”

“Then I don’t understand. Why can’t you go on a date with me?”

She takes in a deep breath and lets it out. “I’m sorry. It’s complicated, and I can’t talk about it.”

“Do youwantto go out with me?”

The question hangs in the air between us as Amelia thinks about it. My gaze dips to her lips. They look soft, and I wonder if they taste as good as they look. “Yes,” she finally whispers.

A surge of energy flows through me. “But you can’t.”

“That’s right.”

I let out a frustrated breath. Obviously, something has happened, and she’s in some kind of trouble. Rafe is here to make sure she’s safe. Rationally, I know I should stop asking her questions. I should take her nonanswers and leave her alone.But I’m having a very difficult time not pulling her into my arms right now and showing her how much I’ve grown to care for her.

She bites her lower lip, and attraction zings through me. I want to kiss her so badly I can’t stand it. I lean closer to her. “You can’t date me, but can we go out as friends?”

She looks at the ceiling for a moment. “I don’t see why not.”

Loopholes are awesome. I grin at her. “I’m glad. Because I’m a really great friend.”

A smile graces her lips. “I already know you are.”

“Good. And I want you to know that I’m here for you, if you need help with anything else.”

She lowers her eyelashes. “Like what?”

“I don’t know. I’m multitalented. I will bake for you and fill out your spreadsheets with whatever numbers you want. I can even provide top-tier, totally platonic kisses. You know, just in case you’ve never kissed a man before and want to try it out.”

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