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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It Hurts to See Her
Logan
Watching the couples around us, I wished for one minute I could be like them. I just wasn’t built that way. It’s not that I don’t want to be. Fuck, I’ve tried, but every time I’ve attempted to trust a woman - or anyone really I’m reminded why I don’t trust. People use me for my money and status, but with Stephanie, it was never like that. I know I can trust her and I’m pretty sure there was a time when she could trust me, too.
Dancing with her in my arms had me wondering why I couldn’t have her. For years, I’ve denied myself. Fuck, I haven’t even allowed myself to be friends with her because I didn’t want to string her along, but cutting her off completely was the only way I could get through the distance.
It’s been fucking torture.
Finding Stephanie on the same deck as her cabin, she was leaning against the railing, watching the waves crashing against the boat. With her back towards me, I could see she was hugging herself.
It hurts to see her so vulnerable like this.
Watching Stephanie from afar, her hair danced around her face in the wind. Not wanting to startle her while I approached, I spoke up before advancing toward her.
Stephanie didn’t turn around to look at me. Instead, she shook her head a little, the gesture so light I couldn’t even tell if it was intentional. Standing beside her, I saw tears in her eyes that were on the brink of spilling, and immediately I knew I had to make things right.
???
Pressing my lips against hers, I’m instantly buzzed off the alcohol from her fruity drinks. Framing Steph's face in my hands, I deepened the kiss as the alcohol-filled my senses like the carbon rising in a freshly poured glass of soda.
“Logan,” she moaned, tugging me closer. “I missed you too,” she whispered, breaking the kiss to rest her forehead in the crook of my neck.
“I missed you too, Stephanie,” I confessed, holding her close.
Disappearing in the moment, this is the most at home I’ve felt in a long time. Kissing the crown of her head, I felt her tremble. “Are you nervous?”
She nods into my collar. “Definitely.”
Leaning away, I tip her head back and take in her expression. “Me too,” I admitted.
Staring into her eyes, I see the signal she’s sending, kissing her softly, she slips her tongue over my lips, and for a moment, I forget to breathe. Kissing her with all the feelings and emotions I’ve been keeping in check, she responded instantly by tightening her arms around my neck. Pushing up on her tiptoes so our bodies were flush together I swept my tongue along the seam of her lips, she opened to grant me access, and a low groan rumbled in my chest.
Not sure which one of us initiates, but we slowly pull back from each other. “I think we'd be good for each other, Stephanie,” I whispered, as time stood still.
Dipping my head, I peered into her eyes. Unable to speak, she nods as I drop my gaze from her eyes to her lips. Drawing it between her lips, I can’t help myself from wanting to taste her again before we say good night.
Maintaining my focus on her lips, Stephanie leans forward and the space between us lessens. Closing her eyes, nothing else mattered in this moment as we became lost in our emotions.
When the need for air became too great, I pulled back and held her face between my hands. Staring into her eyes, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from running on overdrive.
Do I do the gentlemanly thing and part outside her door?
Do I follow her inside and help her get settled in?
“I thought I was the only one overthinking things,” Stephanie said, as my lips formed a grin at the smirk in her tone. “Everything alright?”
With so many uncertainties running through my head, I guess I couldn't carry on a conversation. “Everything’s the way it’s supposed to be,” I replied, and I can tell my words are affecting her.
Before the words good night could leave my lips, Stephanie whispers. “I had a nice time.”
A groan builds in my chest. “So did,” I said, a groan building in my chest.
Looking up at me with longing, Stephanie tore her eyes away long enough to use her key card to her cabin. Holding her door open before she could activate the electric button I left enough room for her to move around me.
“Thanks,” she says, slipping past me.
