Page 6 of Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts 2)

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Candi

When the song ends, he releases me, bowing his head to kiss my hand.

“Thank you for the honor,” he says, standing back to full height, looking down at me with a smile so sexy, it steals my voice.

It’s the first time I truly take him in. Thick, dark hair, a little longer on top, but still neat. Groomed five o’clock shadow hugging his angled jaw. A small scar above his left eyebrow. Feeling his muscular back through his shirt when we danced, my mind sketches it.

“I realize we’ve just met and don’t know each other, but I’d like to change that. Maybe tomorrow you’ll let me take you out?” he asks, still holding my hand.

I know Destiny thinks I should be open, but I’m just not ready for anything, even a casual date. My life is busy with work. That’s who I am now.

“Thank you for the dance, I enjoyed it. I have a project due, so I’ll be working tomorrow. But you’re so sweet to ask.”

“Working on the weekend, huh?”

“Yeah, no days off in my line of work.”

“Another time then?” His eyes shift back and forth between mine as one eyebrow raises slightly.

“My life’s very busy right now with my work and I just don’t have time for dating.”

His lips pull into a weak smile as he lightly squeezes my hand. “I get it. Well, it was nice meeting you, Candi.” He lowers his head, cups my face in his free hand, and presses his lips to my cheek. Heat rushes through my chest. “Good night.” With a slow, athletic jog, he goes back to the bar.

I take a deep breath and let it out, pushing away the attraction whirling through me.

That was the right thing to do, right? Yes, of course it was. Then why am I asking myself?It’s true. I don’t have time for dating and I certainly don’t have time for a relationship. Plus, it’s hard to imagine being with someone other than Dom.

As for the physical side of things, being in Enzo’s strong arms aroused my senses in a temptation I haven’t felt in a long time. Though my body is begging me to indulge, one-night romps aren’t my thing. I’d long ago resigned myself to the fact that the rest of my orgasms would come from my trusty vibrator. Though nothing says he can’t be my muse.Stop thinking about him.

Guests say their goodbyes to Destiny and Nicco. Nicco’s brother, Marco, and his wife, Angelina, already went up to their room, so it’s just the three of us left. Nicco thanks the bartenders and I give a wave to Enzo who nods back with a wink and a smile.

Breathe.

Together, we head inside to the elevators.

“I’m not quite ready for bed. I think I’ll get a quick nightcap,” I say, hoping to drown the sadness sitting in me. Though it’s been years and I’ve healed, not having Dom here at the wedding with me is hitting hard.

“Are you sure?” Destiny asks.

“You’ll be okay?” Nicco follows.

“Yes.” I chuckle. “I’m sure. I’ll be fine. Thank you for a lovely night. I’m so happy for you guys.” I hold out my arms and Destiny comes in for a hug. We release and Nicco and I exchange cheek-kisses. “Love you guys.” I turn and start walking toward the bar.

“Love you,” Destiny calls out as the elevator bell dings.

As I walk through the open dark-wood and etched-glass bi-fold doors, the coziness wraps around me like a blanket. Like I stepped out of a time machine, I soak in the ambiance of a hundred years gone by. The bar top is a thick piece of dark wood and the ceiling is covered with old, refurbished tin tiles. Dim hanging lights, candles dotting the bar, and twinkling string lights woven through swags of greenery set the perfect tone for me to relax with my nightcap and try to ease my soul.

Though not crowded, there are quite a few people here. Some sitting at the bar, some in booths around the perimeter, and some on the small dance floor. I find an empty stool at the bar and slide onto the black snakeskin. They’ve done a little updating over the years.

“What can I get you, ma’am?” the bartender asks, adjusting his bowtie, reminding me of Enzo in his bartender uniform.

“A hot toddy, please.” I push a smile to my lips.

“You got it.”

He steps away to make my drink and I gaze around the room, letting the music soothe me. I check my phone for any messages or emails, hoping nothing urgent has come up for the project I need to finish tomorrow. The photo shoot went great and I want to edit all the best shots to send them back to Vanessa at Guess before my deadline.

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