Page 38 of Love in the Storm

“I’m just scared,” she whispered.

“Of what? I thought you’d gotten the memo I’m not an ax murderer.”

Lyric chuckled and buried her face deeper into his chest. His grip tightened around her, and she inhaled. Asa’s embrace was the perfect combination of strength and gentleness as he offered her something that wasn’t intended for her. A woman with a rap sheet didn’t get to find happiness with a man like Asa.

She sighed and lifted her head. “I don’t know. It’s stupid.”

“Nothing you’re scared of is stupid. Well, if you told me you’re scared of bunnies or something, I might think that was stupid.”

A giggle bubbled out of Lyric’s chest. There was a time in her life when she had been fearless to a fault.Shewas reckless, and she hadn’t been afraid of anything.

Now, she knew what it was like to lose everything.

When Asa said she could have him, she’d been instantly afraid of losing him. But looking up at him erased some of her worry. The look in his eyes promised honesty, and she clung to it like a lifeline. If she wanted Asa, she’d have to be brave enough to fight for something out of her reach.

“I’m scared of this. You. I’m scared because what I feel is big and fast. I know things wouldn’t be the same if we’d met under different circumstances, and–”

“But we didn’t,” Asa interrupted. “We met this way, and maybe that was what we both needed.” His gaze lowered to where his hands rubbed up and down her arms. “I haven’t taken the time to meet someone or date. I’m not sure I would have ever stepped out of my comfort zone and allowed myself to seeanyone.”

Lyric held her breath. It was stupid to pray he would see her, but she wanted him to want her.

Asa cupped her chin and lifted it, bringing her gaze to meet his. “But I’m glad I met you this way. I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other. I’m glad it was you.”

“Me too,” she whispered.

“Is there a chance you’d let me take you out after we get out of here?”

“Yes.” Her answer was quick. This was everything she wanted, and she didn’t have the willpower to push him away.

His gaze dropped to her lips, and he swallowed hard. “I guess kissing before the first date is off-limits.”

“Yes. I mean, no.” She shook her head, rattled by his words. Goodness, she couldn’t think straight with him this close.

He leaned in until his lips were just a breath from hers. “Are you sure?” he asked, his whisper deep and rough as if he were holding back.

Lyric swallowed hard. She might pass out from lack of oxygen before Asa kissed her. “Yes.”

He dipped his head to press his lips to hers. She inhaled a deep breath, fighting against dizziness as Asa filled her senses. He kissed her hard and soft, adoring and sweet, fiery and promising. Her head swam with a high like none other.

A kiss had never seared her like this before. Asa’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her onto her toes as she moved her hands up his chest. She clung to his shoulders as his lips moved against hers.

When he pulled away, she gasped for breath, thankful for the reprieve. She needed to figure out which way was up.

His strong hand slid slowly from the nape of her neck down and over her shoulder, leaving a scorching trail on her skin. “Full disclosure. I know I should step away from you right now, but I really don’t want to.”

Lyric chuckled. “Same.”

He inhaled two more deep breaths before pressing his mouth to hers again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted onto her toes. She wanted more, but would she ever have enough? Asa was goodness and light, and she wanted nothing more than to sink into the safety he offered.

Finally, he broke the kiss and cleared his throat. His fingers threaded with hers, and he took a deep breath. “The soup is getting cold.”

“Right. Let’s eat.” Lyric turned and let her fingers fall from his, immediately missing the contact. She needed a million tasks to distract her from Asa’s all too tempting kisses. More than the amazing kiss, he’d told her in beautifully arranged words that she was special. He was taking a chance and making a big change in his life withher.

She took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. No one told her that opening her heart could be the best feeling she’d ever known.

14

LYRIC

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