AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her eyes softened.
He reached for her hand and threaded their fingers together. “I’m enamored with the softness of your hands and the unique way they make me feel when you touch me and when I touch you. I’ve never felt an inspiring touch like yours, not in my lifetime.”
Releasing her hand, he wove his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp. “I’m enamored with your mind, the way you talk, our banter, the way you think, how smart and talented you are, your bravery, resiliency, and independence.”
She blinked quickly, but her dark eyes were bright and beguiling.
He kept his hand in her hair and lifted his other one, slowly trailing the pad of his thumb over her soft lower lip. She moaned softly and her lips parted at his touch. All he wanted to do was kiss her, but he had to finish. “I’m enamored with your lips. The way you sass and tease me with them, your unique and barking laughter, and your kiss. I could never get enough of these lips.”
He bent slowly down, giving her time to pull away or turn her head. She didn’t. She arched up to him and their lips met. Instantly he was swept away in the connection and love and sparks that only existed for him with Eva.
When they pulled away for air, they were both breathing hard. He wanted to hold and kiss her until he had to go back to base in a few days. Did she feel the same?
Blinking quickly, she stepped back. His arms fell to the side and he felt empty, hollow. He needed her in his arms, but he would never force her there.
“I need time to think,” she said. “To sort this out.”
“What do you need to sort out?”
She peered up at him. “You loved Lily for thirteen years, yet you dropped her like a hot rock because you met me.”
Miles was surprised at her vehemence. Especially after his words and that beautiful kiss. “Eva. Lily was a good friend, a wonderful person, but we should’ve broken up years ago.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Time goes by quick, and the SEALs is a demanding career. I didn’t talk to her much and saw her even less. For years, every time I went home and realized that things had fizzled, I’d ask her to date other people. She’d ask if I wanted to and I’d always say no. I was focused on my career, not dating. Six months ago, I was determined to end it. She broke down and sobbed and I felt awful. I didn’t end it, and I had no idea that she was dealing with … a hard situation, and having a military boyfriend protected her.”
“Oh, no. Will she be okay?”
It was so like Eva to be more worried about Lily than her own pain. He did know her well, even if they’d had little time.
“I hope so. She promised to turn to Clint if she needed help or was in danger.”
“Okay.”
He waited, then continued, “I know the timing was off, breaking up with Lily after I met you. I’m sorry about that. I should’ve ended it long ago.”
“But I gave you the motivation?” Her voice was still sharp.
“You could say that. What we have is unique and incredible, Eva. If you feel that like I do, please give me a chance. Let me date you, get to know you, be there for you. Please don’t give up on us because our beginning was uncomfortable.”
Eva pushed out a heavy breath. “I don’t know, Miles.”
His gut churned.
“Let me rest and … we can talk later.”
“Okay.” He’d let her process and rest. He’d pray. Hard. “I’ll bring takeout. Six? Thai, Mexican, sushi, Vietnamese?”
“Vietnamese,” she said.
“Okay.” He turned to the door. He had a strong aversion to leaving her. It couldn’t be about her safety. Aiden’s men were watching the security feed and monitoring her property, and the threats were gone.
He wanted to be in her presence, and he was afraid she was pushing him away for good.
No. This discomfort would go away. He’d come back and they’d eat and talk some more. She was overwrought. She needed time to process. She’d not only been attacked and had nefarious men after her, had to be uprooted from her home, but she’d fallen in love in a day and a half. Well, he hoped she’d fallen for him. The fact that he wasn’t certain made his palms sweaty.
Glancing back over his shoulder as he stepped through the door, he said, “Eva, I was loyal to Lily for thirteen years, no matter how many women hit on me or how my buddies or brothers teased me.”
