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I stepped inside, taking in the water-stained wooden table, metal chairs, and a green vinyl counter that looked like it had been there since the 1970s. “Do you play poker?”
“I don’t.”
I grinned up at him. “Maybe once this is over, we could come to a social and give it a try. I’ve only joined them a few times. When she wins, which is most of the time, Grannie crows and hops around—as much as she can with her walker, now—and Sue snarls. Sue hates losing. She swears Grannie cheats, though in a good way.They’re besties, so she really isn’t pissed off at my grandmother.”
“It sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe Iwilljoin the group.”
“You’d be more than welcome.”
He stroked my hair off my face. “I believe I want to kiss you.”
My breath caught. Maybe hewasinterested in a relationship. “That’s a switch.”
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Sometimes, thinking’s a good thing. Other times, not so much.”
“Would you like me to kiss you?”
“Very much. I assume you’re speaking of only one kiss?”
His eyes smoldered. “I think I’d like to do a lot more than kiss you, Melly.”
I wanted to tug up his shirt, lean against his chest, and nuzzle my face in his skin. I resisted and put distance between us, turning toward the kitchen cabinets.
“No kiss?” he asked.
“You’re the one who promised himself he wasn’t going to start anything new.”
“So much for that,” I swore he muttered.
“What?” I asked over my shoulder.
His gaze was focused on my ass. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
8
ELRIK
How had I ever thought I could tell myself I wouldn’t get involved with someone new?
That was before I met Melly. I never thought I’d meet anyone who would appeal to me as much as my ex. Now I could barely remember what Brittney looked like. All I could see was Melly’s inky hair that gleamed almost blue in the lights, her hazel eyes that were brown when she gazed at her grandmother with love and held a hint of green when they turned toward me. What did the green mean, and should I be hoping they’d flash brown one of these days when she looked my way?
“What would you think of a guy who broke a promise he’d made to himself?” I asked as I opened the fridge and looked inside. Completely empty. Closing it, I opened the cupboards, finding nothing except a box of baking soda, half-full salt and pepper shakers, plus packages of paper plates, cups, and plasticware.
“I assume you’re speaking of your promise to avoid relationships for the time being.”
“Yes, that.”
“It’s up to you. When you promised yourself, I’m sure you had a solid reason. You didn’t want to set yourself up to be hurt again, and I get it. None of us want something like that. But as for breaking your promise . . .” Turning, she leaned back against the counter. “Only you can decide when it’s time to try again.”
“I think I’m ready.”
“Think?” With a sigh, she spun and stared out the window above the sink. “When you’re sure one way or the other, you’ll act. You won’t stand around thinking about it.”
She was right. Was I ready? The pain I’d felt when my brother and Brittney announced to everyone they were not only together but that they were getting married had faded. I could barely remember the dismay and sadness that had wracked through me back then.
I thought I loved her, but the feelings I’d had for her couldn’t compare to the warmth and excitement I felt whenever I was with Melly.
