Still, I managed to say, "I like you, too." This wasn't the first time I'd said it, nor was it the first time he'd said it tome.And yet, this time felt different, like there was a new kind of energy crackling in the air.
As I stared into Drake's compelling blue eyes, he asked in a quiet voice, "You know what I should do?"
"What?"
His gaze drifted to my lips. "I should kiss you."
I gave a breathless laugh. "Yes. You definitely should. I mean, if you want to."
"Oh, I want to," he said with a knowing smile. "I've wanted to for a while."
"So, why haven't you?"
"Maybe I'm showing restraint."
I gave him my flirtiest smile. "Yeah, well maybe you shouldn't."
His own smile lingered as he leaned toward me, drawing the movement out so achingly slow that it was all I could do not to throw myself into his arms.
When our lips finally met, it felt like I'd just come home, meaning to arealhome, filled with love and laughter and maybe Christmas cookies, too.
His lips were tender and warm. His body was strong and hard. His hands were big and gentle as they slid up my back and sifted through my hair.
When he deepened the kiss, I pressed myself tight against him, letting myself get lost in the moment. Somewhere in the hazy recesses of my mind, I could hear the faint jingling of bells along with maybe a thud or two from the kitchen.
But for once, I didn't even look. Instead, I lost myself to Drake's kiss. As my body heated and my pulse jumped, I couldn't help but wonder if my feelings went beyond mere liking.
Crazy?
Probably.
But that didn't stop me from savoring all of those delicious sensations coursing through my body and soul. By the time we pulled away, I was so breathless, I could hardly speak.
Still, I managed to say, "You know what?"
He grinned. "What?"
"You should kiss me again."
Chapter 21
Gwen
Our first kiss – it had me smiling like a lunatic as I pushed the stroller full of kittens back to my aunt's place. I didn't care if I looked crazy. Ifeltamazing – all warm and gooey, even in spite of the dark clouds and frigid air.
My smile faded the instant I rounded the final corner and spotted Harper standing at the foot of my aunt's driveway. She wore no coat and didnotlook happy.
When our gazes met, she frowned and began striding toward me.No smile. No wave either.
Well, that was ominous.
Still, I kept my expression neutral while I pushed the stroller forward as if my cousindidn'tlook like she was ready to strangle someone.
When she reached me, she asked, "Wherewereyou?"
I forced a laugh. "Where do you think? I was out walking the kittens."
Her eyes narrowed. "Forthreehours?"
