Page 5 of Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts 2)

2

Candi

While I’m happy for my best friend, marrying the man of her dreams, and I know I should be celebrating them, it’s hard not to think about Dominick. His ring keeps him close to me. It holds all our good memories.

I love Destiny and her huge heart. It’s her wedding and she’s dragging me to the dance floor so I won’t be sad. God truly blessed me with her friendship.

Pushing away thoughts of Dom, I shift my focus to being present and dancing with Destiny. Even though she’s not a party-girl, whenever she’d indulge me and go out to night clubs, we always had such a good time together. Those nights were for us only. Neither of us were ever there to meet guys. That’s not our style. We were there to have fun with each other. And, boy, did we.

As we dance, I catch Enzo watching us, more than a few times. And Destiny catches me catching him. At each glance, a spark flickers inside me that I barely recognize.

Between songs, we take a break and sit back at the head table. We have a couple swigs of water and a few sips of our drinks.

“Enzo has the most brilliant green eyes I’ve ever seen.” She grins at me then gives a quick glance in his direction.

“That he does. Like kryptonite, glowing from the inside,” I say, ignoring the flickering spark.

“He seems nice. You guys were chatting a little, huh?”

“He is. I think being friendly is probably a prerequisite for being a bartender.”

“I thought I sensed a little, chemistry maybe?” she prods with curiosity.

“Oh yeah?” I smile. “I dunno, Des. I don’t even think about men anymore. You know, after Dom, that part of me died.” I trace the rim of my glass with my finger.

“Can, there’s no rule that says you only get one soul mate in life and that’s it.” She places a gentle hand on top of mine. “How often did you tell me that you believe in miracles and dreams can come true? I mean, our entire lives you’ve been saying it. You’re not exempt from that,” she says with such tenderness as she rubs my hand with her thumb.

“I know. It’s just.” I blow an exhale. “So much changed after Dom. God, he was my biggest fan and supported me in everything I wanted to do. Other than you, he was my best friend.” My heart pulls with gravity. “He was my everything.”

“I know.”

“When he died, I had to figure out life. How to get through each day. How to survive. How to — live again.” I pause. “I don’t think the kind of love we had together is the kind of love you get to have twice. So, I just, don’t bother. Y’know?” I look up into the sky that’s now dark blue and splattered with tiny, glittery stars.

“I know it hurts. And I know that part of your life feels lost. But it isn’t. Maybe...” She takes my hand in hers, causing me to look at her. “Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to have love twice,” she says as she squeezes my hand. “All I’m saying is, be open to it. Okay?”

Pain pinches my heart as I smile at her. “Okay.” I take a deep breath and let it out. I’m not sure I’m ready. Ready to let Dom go. Ready to meet someone new. Ready to try to love again. I can’t think about any of this right now. “Wanna dance?”

“Yes.” Her cheeks raise, pulling her lips into a smile.

As we stand, I glance back to the bar. Nicco and Enzo are talking and they both look our way. Destiny blows Nicco a kiss as we head back to the dance floor. Enzo gives me a nod. The tiniest current shimmies up my spine.

Destiny and I dance a couple more songs together and a few guests approach us to say goodbye to her. I go back to the head table to sit and finish whatever number whiskey sour Enzo made me.

The DJ announces the last two songs of the night. As Nicco brings his beautiful bride to the dance floor, my heart smiles. I’m glad I followed my instincts. He’s a good man. And he’s the perfect man for her.

The first song ends and “Hero” by Music Travel Love starts. I love their rendition of this song. As I watch couples on the dance floor, an olive-skinned hand appears in front of my face. I look up into Enzo’s kryptonic eyes. Butterflies swirl in my stomach.

Putting my hand in his, the current that ran up my spine earlier floods my body.

One. Single. Touch.

His magnetic force pulls me out of my seat. I stand without a word. Holding my hand in his, he leads me to the dance floor. With gentle confidence, he wraps his arm around my waist and clasps his hand around mine. I draw a gulp of warm air into my lungs. I haven’t been this close to a man since — since Dom.

Being in the arms of another man feels different, almost wrong. And yet, when I look into his eyes, I’m eased. I feel safe.

“Aren’t you still on shift? Won’t you get in trouble?”

“Jake’s covering for me.” He pauses. “Besides, if I do, it’ll be worth it.” The sincerity of his statement coupled with the intensity of his kryptonite-green gaze makes my heart beat a little faster.

Holding me against his hard chest, he leads our movements, languid and assured. The song lyrics float into me as the string lights draping from tree-to-tree glow against the dark sky and the chandeliers dangling from tree branches twinkle.

Releasing my hand, he gently sweeps my hair from the side of my face, sliding it over my shoulder. Leaning down, he moves his face toward mine.It’s been so long since I’ve been kissed.Though my heart isn’t sure I’m ready and my brain reminds me I don’t even know him, my body responds. I take in a deep breath as my heart beats faster in my chest. He grazes past my cheek, placing his lips at my ear.

“You’re exquisite.” His words a shallow whisper, his warm breath travels down the curve of my neck, sending a chill down my spine, leaving a trail of goose bumps. I close my eyes and release the breath I’d been holding.

I don’t usually react this way to men. I’ve been hit on plenty in my life and I know how to handle myself. Something about this man has my knees nearly buckling beneath me.

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