Page 100 of Tempting-
She nods as she climbs up the bed and presses her back against her pillow.
She pries open the notebook. Flips through the pages. Her eyes get dreamy. Like she's lost in her own world.
She turns the page. "Okay. This one. It's short."
"Perfect for my attention span," I offer.
Her laugh is nervous. "Maybe." Her eyes bore into mine. "Promise you won't make fun of it."
I nod.
She looks to the paper. Takes a deep breath. Exhales slowly. "Another stitch.
Another time.
Another love that isn't mine.
And all the shiny people say
It's okay
You'll find another way.
But I always poke the bruise.
Spill a lie. Spin a ruse.
I could draw four aces, but, still, I'd lose."
She presses her lips together, staring at me, waiting for my response.
Something in me stirs. Something in my bones.
Fuck, I have no idea what it means.
I want to peel her open and pry her apart.
Where does she hide this ache in her heart?
How the fuck do I get my hands on it?
Her cheeks flush as she slaps her notebook together. "You hated it."
"No. It was beautiful." Not that I'd know.
"Really?" Her cheeks flush. She's embarrassed. Or scared. Or both.
"Yeah."
"Thank you." Her hand falls over my arm.
She nestles into my body, resting her forehead against my chin.
I soak in every inch of her.
Her warmth against my skin. Her breath against my neck. The smell of her shampoo—lavender and honey. Calm and sweet. Exactly like Kay.
"You okay?" I drag my fingertips over her lower back.There's no way I can sell that this is a friendly gesture. Not to her, not to myself, not to anyone else.
