Page 33 of Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts 2)

“Careful, they might still be hot,” he says, opening his biscuit. Steam swirls out of it and dissipates into the air.

I open mine. “The strawberries will cool it.”

Before taking any, he pushes the bowl of strawberries toward me. “Load it up.”

I dump two huge spoonfuls onto my biscuit and top them with the whipped cream. Then I push the bowl of strawberries back to him.

“It looks naked.” He spoons two strawberries on top of my whipped cream then builds his shortcake. “Sofa?”

I nod and grab my drink. He grabs his and leads the way.

Nestling into the dark, slate-blue cushions, I tuck my legs under me and take my first bite.

“Oh, my God. This is unreal.” I shovel another bite into my mouth. “Seriously so good. I mean, I’ve had strawberry shortcake before, in many different countries mind you, but this is next level.”

“Well, you’re very accomplished. It’s kind of intimidating. I had to do something to try to impress you.” His grin spreads across his face with pride.

“Wait, I’m intimidating?” Is that good or bad?

“A sexy kind of intimidating.” He winks.

I’m thinking that’s good? Doesn’t really matter. I am who I am and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I take a sip of whiskey and shove another bite into my mouth.

“Consider me impressed. This is amazing.” I finish mine in a few more bites.

When he’s done with his, he takes our plates into the kitchen then returns.

Standing close to me, he holds out his hand. “Dance with me?” His deep timbre travels my spine.

“You like dancing, huh?”

“It’s the best way I know to get you in my arms.” A coy grin sits on his lips.

I take a breath. I want to be in his arms again, curled between his wide shoulders.What am I so afraid of?The whiskey moves me. Putting my hand in his, I rise from the sofa.

He snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me gently to him. Heat radiates between us. Taking my hand in his, he sways our bodies to the lazy music saturating the air around us. As we move, he pulls our clasped hands close to my face and wraps one of my curls around his finger.

Then he draws back his face and lets out a sexy laugh, frowning at my lips. “You’re kind of a mess with that whipped cream,” he says, releasing my hand and running his thumb from the corner of my lip toward the center. Moving his gaze from my lips to my eyes, he licks the small trace of cream off his thumb, drawing my attention.

I inhale a shallow breath, my heart thumping in my ears.

Weaving his hand into my hair, he brushes his thumb across my cheek. “You got very upset when we kissed,” he says softly. “And I don’t want to upset you again —”

“No.” I cut him off. My chest tightens. “You didn’t upset me. I’m sorry you thought that all this time.” Tighter. “I — it’s —” I exhale. “It’s just been a long time since I —”

“It’s okay.” He ceases my agony, cupping my face in his hands and shaking his head gently. “It’s okay.” Pressing his lips into my forehead, he holds me.

The music echoes in my head. I exhale against his chest.Well, if this was going to go anywhere, I think I just fucked it up.Silent loneliness bites at the hollow in my chest. My ghost exiled to loveless nights.

He releases me. “I’d better take you home.” He pauses, tucking my hair behind my ear, searching my eyes.

Dread sinks me.What’s wrong with me?

“I’m a little buzzed, will your feet be all right if we walk?”

“So am I. Yeah, I think so.”

“I can always throw you over my shoulder if they start hurting.” He smiles, easing the tension that’s filled the room.

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