How is he getting handsomer with each step I take?
He blows a breath out, his eyes shining. He carefully scans my body, studying me like it’s the last time he’ll ever get to.
When his eyes meet mine again, they are burning, begging to claim me. “I never should have left.”
I close the distance between us. Slowly rubbing my hand along his stubbled jaw, I stretch onto my toes and kiss his cheek, making sure I graze the corner of his lips. My eyes close on the impact.
I breathe him in before pulling away. “But you’re here now.”
He smiles, and that gorgeous dimple sinks into his cheek. “After you.”
I slip my hand into his outstretched one as he helps me into the limo. He hands me a glass of champagne and the roses. I take the deepest breath of the fresh floral scent, one of my favorite smells.
Alec hasn’t taken his eyes off of me since we got in, and it’s a little intimidating. He might be just Alec, but he’s also the New York Nighthawks star center and captain. On top of that, he’s aged like the finest wine. I’m having a hard time dealing with the fact that this is stilljustAlec.
He reaches over and rests his hand on my knee. Sparks radiate from his touch, like my nerves are catching on fire.
“You’re so beautiful, Laura.” His words move slower. “So damn beautiful.”
I gulp, the best pressure settling in my chest. “Thank you.”
His eyes rake over my face, my blush following his trail. He scoots closer to me, sliding his hand into my hair before opening his mouth again. “I want to know everything. I know wekneweach other, Lu, but I want to knowyounow. The you a year ago, two years ago. I need to learn every moment between now and then—what’s changed, what’s new. I want to know how to make you laugh and smile. How to make you happy.”
My jaw is unhinged when he finishes. I’m at a total loss for words. His hazel eyes are locked on mine.
I lick my lips before whispering to him, “I’ve missed you.”
He doesn’t hesitate.
He pulls me against him, and his lips claim mine. I run my hands into his hair and part my lips. His tongue teases mine, and a moan escapes me as his hands tighten in my hair. His tongue continues to explore, and every cell in my body submits to his touch.
A throaty, deep sound rumbles out of him before he abruptly pulls away. He has a look of sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to be that, um … intense.” He wipes his bottom lip with his thumb, which only makes me want to run my tongue along the same path.
His gaze drops to my chest, ever so slightly stalking up my body and back to my dilated eyes. “And if we don’t stop now, I think we’re gonna miss our reservation.” He smirks.
Emotions well in my throat. Being around him is overwhelming in every way.
“Is this weird?” The question slips out of me before I can stop it.
He furrows his brow and then does something I don’t expect. He starts laughing. “I don’t know ifweirdis the right word. But it’sinteresting. It feels like we just picked back up, like we never stopped. Or is that just me?” he asks hesitantly.
My smile deepens, and I reassure him, “It’s not just you.”
Sitting up, he opens the door to the limo, which I didn’t even notice had stopped moving.
He turns, giving me his full attention. “I don’t want to rush into anything, Lu. I want to do this right. I need to make up for all the time I missed with you. Starting with right now.”
He offers me his heart in his hand.
I’m scared.What if this doesn’t work again? I can’t handle feeling that pain.
What about Jack? What about hockey and school?
What-ifs flood my mind, but when I look back up into those golden-hazel eyes, every worry fades to the background.
If he breaks my heart again, it might be the death of me. But not trying would certainly be worse.
I do the only thing I can. I place my hand in his and give him my heart.
