Page 57 of Quintessentially

“You know what I mean. I couldn’t authorize hiring or big expenditures.”

“Maybe you could put the shipping center and more storage upstairs.”

His suggestion reminds me of my plans for upstairs. I jump up from my chair. “Let me show you.” Hurrying to the front door, I lock it and put out the sign that says I’ll be back in ten minutes. My circulation races as I open the door to the upstairs. Dax has seen this space, but I haven’t told him what I have planned.

Looking over my shoulder, I smile. “Come on, keep up.”

“I’ll keep up.”

I giggle as he chases me up the stairs. Once I’m to the top, I spin around, unsure where to go. Dax is a step behind me. When he catches me, his arms wrap around my waist, and he spins us around.

When is the last time I giggled?

For a second, we’re young and carefree again.

My hands go to his solid chest, and I feel the beat of his heart.

“Dax.”

I lick my lips as my mouth goes dry. I’m caught in his strong arms as he stares down at me.

“Remember the text you sent me?”

I shake my head. Nothing is coming to mind except him.

“Telling me you were thinking about kissing me.”

I feel the heat rise in my skin. “I think you sent that to yourself.”

Dax pulls me closer, bringing my hips to his. “I’m thinking about it, Kandace. I’ve been thinking about it since I saw you at the softball game.”

“I’m scared,” I tell him honestly.

“Me too.”

I’m looking at his lips, trying to remember the way they felt on mine. Slowly, we move toward one another until it happens, and our lips meet. Strong and firm. Possessive yet gentle. He tastes like desire, the way I remember but even better.

Pushing up on my tiptoes, I take what I thought I’d never again have.

Dax’s hand moves up to my hair as his tongue teases mine.

I feel his kiss everywhere. It’s only our lips, but my body is sparking to life. Synapse after synapse is firing as electrical current flows from him to me. It’s been so long since I’ve been kissed, really kissed. It’s been equally as long since I’ve been with the only man who’s ever touched me this way. My knees go weak as he holds me against him.

When we finally pull away, I feel my cheeks warm.

His smile quirks. “I’m sure glad you sent me that text.”

I reach for his hand and talk about why I brought him up here. “I want to tell you what I want to do on this floor and the one above.”

“Molly told me you want to make this your home.”

“I do,” I say excitedly. “Dad’s been talking with Lynell, and Mick’s been working with me on ideas. Nothing is official, but try to picture this...” I begin describing the layout as I had to my mother. With each passing day, it feels as if my dreams may actually come true. “And then I’ll be home with Molly while being able to work at the same time.”

“It will be expensive.”

“I have savings.”

“I can help.”

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