He goes sill as stone and I pull back. “This doesn’t work unless you kiss me back.”
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this.”
I smile. “It’s precisely because you make me feel like it’s okay not to rush things that I want to kiss you.”
“I’ve wanted to kiss you since the first day I saw you there on the ground, with all your books and papers scattered everywhere. You didn’t know who I was and then when you figured it out, you didn’t care.”
“I’ve never cared about stuff like that. I just care about who you are in here.” I tap his chest. “I can see how good of a man you are and I want to get to know that man better.”
His hands come up and holds my face gently. He has calluses on his fingers from years spent working with his hands. They’re rough against my skin, but it’s the gentlest touch I’ve ever felt.
“If you want me to stop at any point you just say so.”
I nod, trusting that he’ll stop if it gets to be too much.
He leans in and nibbles at my lips, teasing them. I expected him to just kiss me, not this. It’s more of a gentle carress. He feathers small kisses over the bridge of my nose and kisses my forehead. His nose rubs against mine.
When his lips finally settle on mine, it’s not a demanding kiss. He keeps it soft as he explores my mouth. His tongueswipes against my lips and they open automatically for him. His tongue darts in, hesitant at first as he learns my taste. Thank God I brushed my teeth when I went to change.
He explores my mouth with a thoroughness that leaves me breathless. This slow burn starts in my stomach and fans out. It’s not instant flames like with Joe. This feels deeper, more intimate than anything I felt when Joseph kissed me. The fire sweeping through me burns out the memory of Joseph, leaving only Hutch behind.
He sucks on my lower lip before letting his lips slide over mine again, teasing them with soft gentle brushes. It’s the softest kiss I’ve ever been given.
He pulls back, his nostrils flaring, and to my surprise, I’m gasping a little as well. My fingers trace my swollen lips and I let out a shaky breath.
“I think I pushed you enough for tonight, Red. I don’t want to scare you.”
“You didn’t scare me.”
“If you could see inside my head right now, you’d run.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I’m scared of how badly you can hurt me, but I’m tired of being a coward. I want to give this a shot.”
“You’re the farthest thing from a coward, Daisy. You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. Now, come here and let’s watch a movie. Collin should be back soon anyway.”
He pulls me into his side and I lay my head against his chest as he turns on the TV. He chased the fear away with that kiss and for the moment, I’m content. Not sure how long it’ll last, but I’ll take it for tonight.
Settling down, I close my eyes and listen to the sound of his breathing as he absently strokes my back. It’s not long before sleep claims us both.
CHAPTER 25
Hutch
“Jonathan, be still.”
My mother is stirring whatever is in the pot and acting as if everything is normal. Nothing is normal. A top sports agent is about to come into our home and possibly represent me and Collin. It’s going to change our lives for the better. For all of us, including Mom because I’ll be able to afford to move her into a better neighborhood.
“Mama Kat.” Collin comes in through the kitchen door. “Smells good.”
“Everything smells good to you.” She smiles and turns the burner down to simmer.
“No, not everything. Migi tried to cook last week and it was inedible. We’re still smelling it at the house.”
“When’s this guy getting here?” I glance around the kitchen, noticing how small it really is. Me and Collin take up a lot of space, leaving little for Mom’s boyfriend.
“I asked him to stay home.”
“Why?” Collin and I both ask together, the suspicion plain in our voices.
