He grunts.
“And Kinsley knows too?”
“She read it too,” he grumbles.
“That must have been so difficult for you both.” I rest my hand on his chest. My eyes are burning with tears for him and his sister. I wish I could go back in time and either deck that reporter or be there for them both as they grieved.
And they’re still grieving…
He lifts my fingers to his mouth first, then kisses the inside of my wrist, making me feel wanted…chosen. But his lips are like a branding iron, sending heat all the way upmy arm. And I can’t stop staring at those delicious lips when he lowers my hand in a motion that draws me to him.
Our lips finally meet in a kiss that’s tender and sweet, a soft whisper of gratitude dancing between us, as if he’s thanking me for every moment of care that’s woven us together thus far. The sun bathes my back in golden warmth but pales in comparison to the heat radiating from Luke’s body pressed against mine, igniting every nerve in my being.
He cradles my hand against his heart, its steady rhythm pulsing beneath my palm—a powerful, comforting beat that echoes the stirring in my own heart. As he deepens the kiss, the world around us dissolves and fades into nothingness. All I know is the intoxicating connection between us and this amazing, mind-blowing, never-want-it-to-end kiss—hashtag neverbeenkissedlikethis.
When he places his other hand on the small of my back, the bag he’s so patiently held swings into the back of my knees, making them bend. I jerk away in reaction to the sensation of falling, but Luke catches me.
“I’ve got you.” That slow, easy smile of his makes a path across his face like the sun arcing through the sky. Sunlight glints off his irises, revealing tiny amber streaks that I didn’t notice before. If I could touch those like I did his lips, I would. They resemble the first glimmers of a sunrise and are filled with the promise of something I want more than anything but am afraid to hope for.
I’m like that greedy pelican, hungry for more of the fisherman’s catch. And I shudder in the reality that not only did Luke catch me, but he’s caught my heart as well.
Hook, line, and sinker.
After I dropped Luke off at his car, I’d intended to go home, but Marty sent a text asking if I could come see him at the office. I don’t think he ever leaves work before seven most evenings.
When I arrive, the place is empty and dark, except for the glow of light streaming out of Marty’s doorway. I stride in, plop my bag in a chair in front of his desk, and drop into the other one, folding my hands over my abdomen. “What’s up, Marty?”
He pushes his reading glasses to the top of his head as he looks up from the piece he’s editing, which he taps with his forefinger. “This piece on Luke Jameson is some of your best work, kiddo.”
I didn’t think this day could get any better. My smile’s so broad it makes my cheeks hurt. “Thank you. I’m pretty proud of it myself.”
“I can’t wait to see the reaction to this one tomorrow. Are the photos for it already uploaded?”
“Yep. My best shots are in the folder.”
He studies me for a moment. “You put a lot more emotion in this one.”
His cautious tone puts me on alert. “Yeah, I guess so. This assignment’s really turning into something more than I originally thought.”
“Do you mean Luke is turning into something more than you expected?” He smiles in a fatherly way.
I straighten in my chair, attempting to appear as oblivious as possible. “What are you talking about?”
He tilts his head at me as if I’m being evasive, which I am. “I know you and your work well enough to read between the lines, Soph. You’re invested.”
“So I care about what I’m writing. What’s the big deal?”
“I think this is more than care, kiddo.”
I stare down at my hands. “And what if it is?”
He clears his throat, which is his way of telling me to look at him. “Does he have feelings for you too?”
I pinch my lips togetherand nod.
“Then I’m happy for you, but a word of caution.” The subtle lift of his brows signals his request for permission.
“Yes?” I hope he speaks fast because I’m not sure how long I can hold my breath.
