Page 60

I looked at him, he looked at me, and then I immediately looked at his mouth.

His smile appeared. “See something?”

“Nothing.”

“Very convincing.”

“Shut up.”

He stepped close enough to touch me.

I swallowed. “Are you gonna kiss me?”

His brows lifted. “Can I?”

That nearly ruined me because he asked. I appreciated that he didn’t just lean in, waiting until I had to decide whether to move away.

I nodded. “Yes.”

His hand came gently to my waist. Then he kissed me. It was so soft, slow, and warm. It was simple. There was no checking the parking lot, wondering who knew him, no guilt, and no when the time is right. I was just kissing a man beside my car because we had gone on a date and liked each other.

I pulled back first and Nash smiled. “What?”

“Nothing.”

He studied me for a moment then stepped back. “Text me when you get home.”

“I can drive.”

“I didn’t question your ability.”

“Sounds controlling.”

“Blair.”

I laughed. “Okay, fine.”

He opened my car door and I got in. He even waited until I pulled off before walking away. For ten whole minutes, I was happy. Smiling at stoplights and replaying the kiss.

Then I got home.

I stood in my bathroom removing my earrings. I washed my face then Ravenna came to mind. It wasn’t because Nash had done anything wrong, but because I had enjoyed myself. That was how fucked up my guilt had become. I could have a beautiful night with an available man and somehow my brain still found a route back to a woman I had hurt years ago. I wondered if Ravenna had once smiled like this after dates with Caleb.

Before me, had she stood in a mirror taking off earrings while feeling chosen?

Had she ever looked at him and thought— This is my person. And then I came, ruining their life.

My stomach twisted. The punishment was right on schedule. Something good happened and I reminded myself why I should feel bad about it.

My phone buzzed.

Nash: Home?

I stared at it, then typed.

Blair: Yes.

Nash: Good. I had a good time.