“Aside from the moral issues there, you could be fired and prosecuted for breaking numerous federal and state level penal and criminal codes.”
“Correct.”Iwas surprised she knew all of that, butIassumed she’d likely covered a story or two on something similar.
“He retired right before you andImet after a big fraud scandal involving his mistress,”Iadded. “Ihaven’t talked to him in years, and don’t care to.”
“I’m sorry.Yourmom sounds like she was a great mother,”Acesaid quietly.
We made some more small talk about my job and hers—trying to bring a little more lightness to our conversation, before we got up to head inside since the mosquitoes were eating us alive.
As we walked back in, she turned to me and paused as though she was unsure of what to say. “Thankyou for telling me aboutManny,” she said gently. “Andfor more clarity on the divorce.”
I stepped closer to her, bringing myself to within a foot of her.
“For what it’s worth,I’msorry,”Iresponded sincerely as she closed her eyes. “Foreverything.”
Her eyes were now open and full of tears.God,Icould feel my heart being squeezed in a vise.
I leaned forward, putting my hands on the sides of her head. “God,Ace, please don’t cry.Iwould give you anything in the world to make you never cry.”
Her breath hitched as her eyes made contact with mine before she whispered to me. “Iwant…”
She left that sentence hanging in the air, butIknew what she was trying to say.
“I want you, too,”Itold her gently, hoping that would give her some confidence.
“I don’t know whatIwould do if you rejected me again.”
“I never rejected you,Ace.Ilet you go to protect you, andIregretted every minute of it.Pleasegive me a second chance.”
“I want to,Ijust don’t know how.”
I appreciated her honesty but knew she was also scared, soIwas going to let her take the reins.
“Kiss me,Ace,”Itold her, hoping she would, becauseIcouldn’t be the first to make that move, not when she was this tense.
Thankfully,Ididn’t have to wait long.Sheleaned in and brushed her lips against mine.Myhands were still resting on the sides of her head, andIbegan to stroke her cheeks with my thumbs.Ireveled in the taste of her, soaking in every moment of this in case she regretted it.
I deepened the kiss while still giving her control.Herhands came to my chest and began to roam up, and then she fisted the fabric of my shirt as though she needed to hold on for stability.
Her lips broke away as she gasped for air.Notwanting this to end,Imoved my lips to her cheek and kissed my way to her ear.Shetilted her neck to the side—a clear invitation thatItook, moving my lips in that direction.Ikissed my way to the spot along her neck whereIcould feel her pulse, spending a lot of time enjoying the taste of her skin.Herbody stiffened under my hands, andIimmediately lifted my head to look at her.
“Archer,” she whispered. “Idon’t know ifI’mready to go this fast.”
“Okay,”Itold her, backing away slightly but still stroking her cheek with my thumb.
“Okay?”
“Yes.Okay,”Iconfirmed. “Ace…you’re giving me an opening here.I’mnot going to screw it up by pushing you too hard, too fast.Wego at your pace.I’mhere when you’re ready.”
I felt her relax even before she sighed. “Thankyou.”
“No,Ace.Thankyou.I’vewanted this second chance more than you will ever know.”
She gave a small smile before saying goodnight and turning into the house.
Even though my dick was upset right now that we were letting the most beautiful woman walk away,Ihad never felt better.Acewas willing to give this a try.
I wasn’t going to let her down.
