Page 69 of Stolen Kiss

I thought back to the last moments. She wasn’t scared of me, but she didn’t want me to touch her, and I knew it had nothing to do with her desire for me.

She freaked out when I touched her prosthesis.

Now that I thought back to it, I couldn’t even remember catching even a tiny glimpse of it. She was always so careful about keeping it hidden around me.

“I see,” I said, finally. “That’s okay. You know that, right? We can move at your pace and I’m not in a rush.”

Her gaze jumped to mine. She was obviously surprised by my words, and I wondered briefly what kind of monster she’d taken me for, if she’d thought I would be mad or even try to pressure her because she wasn’t ready.

“I should probably go home,” she said after a moment of silence, and made a move to get off the island.

I placed my hands on her small shoulders to stop her and waited until she looked at me. “Are we okay?” I asked carefully.

She shot me a smile. A small one, but it was something, at least.

Cupping my cheek with one soft hand, she replied, “Yeah, we’re okay.”

“Why don’t you stay the night?” I said. She opened her mouth to likely voice her protest, but I spoke first. “In the guest bedroom. I have an extra toothbrush, and you can wear my shirt to sleep. It’s getting late, and I would feel better knowing you’re here, safe and sound.”

“I don’t know, Jensen. Do you really think it’ll be a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? Nothing has to happen.” I waited a beat before adding, “Unless you want it to.”

She shook her head in exasperation, but she was smiling at me.

“Please,” I added seriously, and I wasn’t above guilting her into staying. I didn’t want her to leave. I didn’t care that she wasn’t going to spend the night in my bed. I just needed her close by.

Her shoulders relaxed, and I knew I’d won.

“Okay. Just tonight.”

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