Page 32 of Journey To Sunrise

What was he talking about? His mouth was a hairsbreadth away from mine, and I could only hope.

No, I couldn’t be hoping.

But yes, I was.

Then I launched upwards.

And our lips met.

He groaned and pulled me close. Oh God, he tasted better than cheese. His lips were firm and soft, and he sipped and coaxed, and did everything I needed to send me into a maelstrom of want and desire.

His lips parted mine, his tongue seeking entry which I gladly granted, wanting to get so much closer to this man who had been my closest friend and confidant. But this was no friendly kiss, this was a dark lover who swept me up into the clouds.

My nails dug into the steel of his biceps, glorying in his strength.

This was hope.

As soon as I thought those words, doubt permeated my brain, and I arched away from Zarek.

“What, Cupcake?”

“You can’t really want me. Not like I am now.”

He looked deep into my eyes. “You’re you.”

“I’m broken.”

“Chloe Rose Avery, you’re you. You might be down, but you’re not out.” His hand stroked down my arm, his fingers tangling with mine. “Come here.”

I looked up at him in confusion. He tugged, and I followed him into the kitchen. I spotted the pink bakery box he’d brought home.

“Open it.”

Inside there were six gorgeous cupcakes, each one lovelier than the last.

“Each one is unique and equally beautiful. Each one is a different flavor, not one of them is better than the other. Understand?”

I stared up at him.

“Do you get me?”

“I think so,” I said hesitantly.

“Every one of your flavors, Chloe, is beautiful to me. Now do you understand?”

I nodded.

“Let’s go eat cold broccoli and congealed cheese, and then you can have a cupcake or three.” He grinned down at me. “How does that sound?”

“Dreadful. Can we just have cupcakes?”

“Deal.”

Each of the man’s smiles were more beautiful than the last.

Chapter Nine

Zarek