Page 58 of The Lake House

He walks over to my side of the table and puts out his hand. “C’mon.”

My eyes widen, and so does my smile. “Oh, well, I—”

He grabs my hand in his and pulls me up, leading me out to the dance floor. When we reach an empty spot in the middle, he places a hand around my waist and pulls me close to him.

The scent of his cologne is perfectly intoxicating. The feel of his body against mine is so right.

I look up. His eyes are melting into mine. He’s smiling and I’m floating on cloud nine.

Without even realizing it, we sway to the music, letting the melody take us away.

I don’t even realize how much time passes because I’m in Declan’s trance, but after a few songs, he nudges close to my ear and says, “You’re so beautiful, Giuliana.”

He pulls away and our eyes meet again. The music continues playing, but he and I completely stop, and before I have a chance to make out what is happening, he places a finger underneath my chin, lifting my face until our lips ultimately touch.

And it’s perfect.

His lips on mine feel completely wonderful and I easily give in to his kiss without resisting at all.

I’d wanted this.

I’ve longed for this for so long.

I’ve thought about it, dreamt about it, and wished for it to happen so many times.

And now, it’s here.

And I never want it to end for as long as I live.

ChapterTwenty-One

GIULIANA

Saturday afternoon arrives sooner than expected. Two nights ago was the first time Declan kissed me, and since then, it’s all that’s been on my mind.

After our first kiss on the dance floor, he took me home, and as he dropped me off on my front steps, he leaned in once more and kissed me goodnight.

The next day, it poured, and a storm swept through the town. Luckily for me, I was off that day, and it couldn’t have been any more perfect than it was. Declan and I texted and talked throughout the whole day.

He stated he couldn’t wait to see me again, and he had another surprise lined up for me on Saturday afternoon… which is here and now.

I open the door to find him with a dark blue bandana in his hands. “What’s that for?” I ask, leaning against the doorjamb.

“Your blindfold,” he states with a smile that I still can’t get over.

His lips are looking mighty tasty and I hope he kisses me with them again today. He said he couldn’t wait to kiss me when we spoke on the phone yesterday, and the feeling was mutual.

I close up and grab my bag, and then I let him place the bandana over my eyes.

“How many fingers am I holding up?” he asks.

He’s so silly. He knows he placed it perfectly over my eyes and I can’t see a damn thing.

“Fifty-seven,” I respond and the both of us chuckle.

“Okay, okay. Smart ass,” he says, and then he places a soft kiss on my nose. “Alright, ready to go?”

I nod. “Ready.”

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