Page 282 of When a Soul Cries

My chest loosened.

That was enough.

For tonight, it was more than enough.

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By the time we came back inside, the fire had burned low behind us and the bungalow had gone quiet.

Sol walked ahead of me toward the kitchen carrying our glasses, and I followed slower than I needed to.

I’d been trying not to stare at her ass all damn night.

I was failing miserably.

She set the glasses beside the sink and turned around.

Her eyes immediately caught mine.

“Why are you looking at me like that again?”

I leaned against the island, crossing my arms. “Like what?”

“You know exactly like what.”

I did.

I pushed away from the counter and walked toward her, watching that little smile disappear the closer I got. Not because she looked afraid.

Because now she was watching me too.

I stopped directly in front of her.

“Come here.”

Sol hesitated for half a second before stepping into me.

My hand settled against her waist, and hers rested against my chest. For a moment, neither of us did anything. I could feel her breathing change beneath my palm.

“You good?” I asked quietly.

She nodded.

“Use your words.”

Her eyes lifted to mine. “I’m good.”

I bent and kissed her.

Slow.

Nothing like the shit running through my head.

I gave her enough room to pull away if she wanted to, but instead her fingers curled into my shirt and she kissed me back.

That changed everything.

My other hand found her waist and pulled her closer. Her arms slid around my neck, and the kiss deepened until I felt her smile against my mouth.