Page 99 of Craving Danger

My voice is filled with confusion as I say, “I know you want an answer from me, but I can’t give you one. Not right now.”

“I understand, but while you think about things, can I at least see you?” He places his hand on my back, and the touch feels comforting. “Since I’m working from home, so the company doesn’t become a target, I barely get to spend time with you.”

True.

Maybe that’s part of the problem. I’m still stuck in the past where Franco and my mystery man are two different people. I’m not getting to know him any better.

Nodding, I turn my body to face Franco and lean my shoulder against the back of the couch.

The corner of his mouth lifts, and seeing him smile makes butterflies erupt in my stomach.

“You should smile more,” I mention.

“I’ll make a conscious effort for you.”

Sitting in my apartment and having a normal conversation with him makes him feel less like my boss.

Franco’s eyes drift over my face, and I see his affection for me shining from them.

He looks at me as if I’m precious to him.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

My tongue darts out, and I wet my lips. “How different you are away from the office.”

He lifts his hand to my face and trails his fingers along the curve of my jaw. “Remember when I said our appointments were helping me as well?” After I nod, he continues, “You made me realize how cold and empty my life is. You’ve added warmth and light to my life, and I don’t want to lose it.”

His words warm my heart, and when his hand wraps around the back of my neck, I don’t stop him as he pulls me closer.

His other hand takes hold of mine, pressing my palm to his chest. I feel his heart beating, and it makes me remember what he said before he allowed me to see his face.

‘Every beat is for you.’

He lowers his head, and as his mouth brushes against mine, the intense connection we have threatens to overwhelm me completely.

Before he can deepen the kiss, I pull back and whisper, “We need to take things slow until I’ve come to a decision.”

Franco nods and stares at me as if he’s trying to memorize my face. After a few seconds, he presses a kiss to my forehead, then pulls away from me and climbs to his feet.

I stand up as well, and as he walks to the window, I say, “You know you can use the front door, right?”

He lets out a chuckle. “I’ll use the window for old times' sake.”

I watch as he climbs onto the fire escape, and when he disappears from my sight, I take a deep breath.

That went better than I expected.

Maybe there’s still hope for us.

Chapter 32

Franco

I know I’ve said I’ll force Samantha if I have to, but it’s the last thing I want to do. Especially after what that fucker did to her.

At least she hasn’t told me to leave her alone.

Where I think quick on my feet, Samantha is an overthinker. I’ll just have to be patient with her.

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