Page 14 of Peyton

“I would love to make Tranquility my permanent home,” Chloe quickly responded. “I’m waiting for a response for the internship position at the library.” She turned to face me, and I saw her baby blue eyes filled with sadness. “It’s been a week, and if I don’t have a solid offer soon,” she hesitated, “I’ll have to move where I do have one. And that’s Boston.”

I made my way to Chloe and embraced her. She wrapped her arms around my waist and returned the gesture. I wasn’t insensitive. I knew the value of a good old-fashioned hug. Chloe’s confession allowed me to see her vulnerability.

I laid my chin on the top of Chloe’s head. I knew I was taller than average, but Chloe barely reached my shoulders. Damn, she was petite. I wanted to protect her from the world’s injustices. I realized then and there that I wanted to know the girl I had been crushing on. I was curious as to what kind of woman she had grown into.

I cupped her cherub cheeks in my hand and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. Her gasp did not go unnoticed. Chloe raised her baby blues, and my heart nearly pounded out of my chest. She didn’t push me away. If anything, she slid closer.

I lifted Chloe off the floor and sat her on the counter. I released her messy bun and ran my hands through her hair. She tilted her head back, exposing her neck. I traced a line of kisses at the exposed skin, grazing my teeth along the flesh before using my tongue to soothe the burn. Her arms went around me, gripping my shoulders.

Chloe’s body shivered as my mouth worked its way across her jaw. I wrapped my arms around her neck and lifted her head so we were face to face. Our lips brushed, breathing the same air. I leaned, deepening the kiss.

“I think I’m in lov… Oops, sorry,” came from the doorway.

The spell was broken. Chloe pushed me away and took a deep breath before addressing the young woman standing nervously in front of the kitchen door. “Hey Amanda, how was your date?”

I moved away. I saw the moment Chloe shut down. Nothing was going to happen tonight.

“I’ll see you on the boardwalk tomorrow, Chloe.” I gave her a peck on her flushed cheek before making my way out.

I said a silent prayer, hoping Chloe got the position at the library. If she didn’t, whatever was happening between us would be over before it began.

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