Page 18 of It Started with a Kiss
I felt exactly the same. I didn’t understand myself or my behaviour but what I knew was I felt something intense for this gorgeous man who had opened his heart to me. This wasn’t lust, it felt right. There was a real connection I was sure of it. I only hoped the connection didn’t fade in the cold light of day.
9
Fin
I awoke to a feeling of pins and needles in my left arm. When I turned my head in the direction of the numbing limb, I was greeted by a most beautiful sight. The alabaster skin of the girl I had only become acquainted with properly the night before.
Star Mendoza.
An intricate tattoo of vines and delicate flowers adorned her skin from her shoulder blade and weaved its way down her back to caress her ribcage. I had never really been into tattoos but these were so delicate, as if someone had painted a watercolour on her skin. As gently as possible, I freed my arm and she rolled onto her back but didn’t wake. I propped myself up so I could see her face. The pale pink curls of her hair fanned out on the pillow beside me, and it was only when I looked closely that I spotted slim streaks of blonde showing through. For a few moments, I was mesmerised by her beauty and couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her full lips were slightly parted in her slumber and I watched as they turned up briefly into the sweetest of smiles.
What the hell had I been thinking? I hadnever donethe one night stand thing, but then again, I had been in a relationship with Elise since the dawn of bloody time. I didn’t understand what had made me act so carelessly—so recklessly—the night I met Star. She was so sweet, and despite her quirky exterior, she wasn’t the tough, experienced girl I had expected. There was something about her that drew me in. And like I said before, she wasn’t the type of girl I usually found myself attracted to. But maybe that’s because I didn’t even know what I found attractive. I had been led for so long by my parents’ wishes, that I had never really had a chance to explore what it was I wanted.
‘Good morning.’ She whispered and I felt my face warming.
I had been caught admiring her and for a split second embarrassment tugged at my insides. ‘Sorry, I was just… um…’ I cringed. ‘I didn’t mean to disturb you.’
She cleared her throat. ‘It’s fine. Actually, I probably should be going. It’s a wonder Alec isn’t blowing up my phone with calls and texts right now.’
I sat bolt upright and winced as anger spiked at my insides. ‘Hang on. You’ve got aboyfriend? And you chosenowto mention the fact?’
Great. Now I feel like a complete sleaze.
She laughed and sat up to face me. ‘Take it easy. Alec is my roommate. Remember I mentioned my roommate last night? And anyway, I’m notmanenough for him, if you get my meaning. You, however… well, he totally wanted you.’
My cheeks heated and I covered my eyes as I groaned. ‘Ah, right. Sorry.’
‘It’s okay. You’re not the first one to jump to the wrong conclusion. Alec’s like a big brother, big sister, and best friend all rolled into one. He looks out for me and always has since I moved here. In fact, he owns the coffee shopandthe apartment I share with him.’
Ugh. Now it all made sense. ‘I see.’ I turned and leaned to reach my boxers and jeans. With a struggle, I managed to pull them on without flashing my wares at Star, which was ridiculous considering the antics of the night before.
Once I was covered, I turned to face her. ‘You don’t have to rush off. Drop him a message to let him know you’re fine and I’ll go make coffee... um...tea? Feel free to grab a shower. Bathroom’s just through that door.’ I pointed to my en-suite.
She nodded and smiled. ‘Okay. Thanks. I’ll be out once I’m done.’
God, I loved her sexy American accent and the way her cheeks turned pink when our gazes connected.
I smiled and nodded like one of those bloody dashboard pets. I suddenly felt shy and unsure of myself. ‘Great.’
I left the room and the beautiful woman in my bed. I’d only taken four steps away from the door when I stopped. I wanted to go back and have a repeat of the night of passion we had shared. But I doubted she’d want the same. I guessed she might be filled with regret at waking to the blushing, bumbling, insecure idiot that was the antithesis of the alcohol-fuelled, yet confident man of the night before.
I turned to walk away again when I heard footsteps behind me. When I turned, the sight of her all cute and dishevelled from sleep took my breath away. Dressed in just the sheet from my bed, she leaned her head coyly against the doorframe and smiled.
I cleared my throat, afraid of what noise would come out when I tried to speak. ‘Is everything okay?’
She chewed her lip for a moment. ‘Um... yeah. But I was wondering...’
I swallowed hard and stepped towards her, l almost tripping over my own feet and was feeling like a total idiot. ‘Wondering what?’ I knew what I hoped she was going to say.
She paused and frowned for a second. ‘Um... where are your fresh towels?’
Nope, that wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for her to ask. Disappointment washed over me. ‘Oh... yeah, sorry. They’re in the drawers by the wardrobe. Help yourself.’
She blushed again. ‘Thanks.’ As she disappeared back into my room, I turned to walk away with a sense of defeat, but her voice stopped me. ‘Fin?’
I could sense that she’d appeared again, and I turned my head to the side but didn’t quite look at her. ‘Yeah?’
Her voice was a breathy whisper. ‘Join me?’
