Page 54 of Seventeen Years Ago

“Steven.”

“Yes?”

“I...I don’t want to let you go,” she said softly.

“I am enjoying it too, but we can’t stand here all day. Not if you’re going to teach me how to cook,” I said, knowing that it had to end.

She sighed. “You don’t need to cook, remember. You eat out all the time.”

“What about when I come back to Tabiq and want to cook for you?” I said and instantly regretted it. I had no plans of ever returning here. Just a couple of days ago I wanted off this island. I can’t be making her promises or even suggesting it’s a possibility. No way in hell am I ever coming back.

Aiza looked up at me with the sweetest smile that melted my heart. “You’re coming back? You decided to take on the project?” she asked, sounding so hopeful.

Fuck.

Somehow, I’d forgotten all about the project. When I was with Aiza, it was as though the world didn’t exist and it was just the two of us.Why can’t it stay this way? For the first time in my life, I have found someone who I can be myself with. Someone who makes me truly happy, and I must leave.

“No. I didn’t decide to do the project.”

“Then why would you come back?” she asked.

To see you.

“I have some unfinished business here,” I replied, not ready to admit to her how much she means to me. Not when I was just figuring it out for myself.

Aiza nodded. “I hope you do come back. And I really hope you change your mind about the project. Tabiq needs you.”

But do you need me?

“I’ll think about it.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and said, “That’s more than before.

Then she kissed me. Not brief like before, but just gentle and tender. Her lips were so soft, and I desperately wanted to explore all she had to offer. But she had no idea what she was doing. This kiss was igniting a fire deep inside, one that I’d been trying to ignore for days. This was asking too much. The need was almost unbearable, but I couldn’t give in to my desire.

Aiza might not have said it outright, but she’d hinted at it. She’d never been with a man. I was not taking her virginity. I didn’t do it seventeen years ago and I sure in hell am not doing it now.

Letting her kiss me, I fought to maintain my self-control. My body didn’t rule me. It never had. But right then, it was my heart that seemed to be blurring things, because what I wanted and what I needed didn’t seem as clear as usual. Maybe for once, they were the same thing.

And I can’t have it.

Reluctantly, I pulled away. Brushing a strand of hair from her face I said, “Ready to start that cooking lesson?”

“Now?” she asked.

“I’m starving,” I replied.For you, but food will have to do.

She accepted that and said, “I can’t wait for us to get cooking in the kitchen.”

I rather we get cooking in the bedroom.

Even though my head knew it wasn’t ever going to happen, no one told my dick. It was hard as a rock, and it was going to be a long uncomfortable day.

At least I’ll be uncomfortable with Aiza.

CHAPTER20

Aiza

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