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“No comment,” I mutter.
“I can reenact that for you later, if you’d like,” he offers with a cheeky grin as he turns around.
I study the ceiling, so maybe I won’t blush. I have a feeling I’m not successful when a gentle finger traces my cheek. “There’s a letter for you, too. Do you want to read it now or later?”
4
Trevor
Kerry is overwhelmed. I can see it in how she half turns away and then comes back, her eyes troubled. She sighs. “Maybe we should get all the surprises out of the way and then pick up the pieces.”
I nod and gently move her aside to fetch it. Taking the stairs two at a time, I hope to hell Carter didn’t drop any more bombs in her note. Kerry’s waiting for me in the kitchen, the electric kettle on which makes me smile. She’s the epitome of cozy sweetness, packed into a body with curves for days. The contrast is delightful.
Handing her the envelope, I give her a little physical space and some privacy, although I’m certainly hoping she clues me in as soon as possible.
Nervously, she slits the envelope open, takes a deep breath and then begins reading. She frowns then smiles slightly before glancing my way with the cutest smirk you’ve ever seen. “Where’s this famous tattoo?” she finally asks, her eyes bright.
Shit. I only have one, and I had no idea Carter knew anything about it. “Baby, I’m perfectly willing to show it to you, but I’ll have to pull down my pants. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
Her pretty eyes widen and her mouth makes a round O. So many things she could wrap those lips around that would bring me to my knees. Hell, I’m hard just thinking about it. “Nooo,” she stutters. “Can’t you just tell me?”
I shake my head. “Nope. But it’s not going anywhere and neither am I, so there’s no need to rush.”
She blinks again. “You aren’t leaving tomorrow?”
I shake my head again, amused. “Kerry.”
Her confused face brings it home. I’m going to have to go very slow. This isn’t the culmination of twelve years of waiting. This is just the beginning of Kerry even knowing I’m interested in her. I’m hella more than that, but she’ll run like a rabbit if I throw all my emotions at her at once.
“Sweetness, I’ll move to a hotel and date you properly if you like. So you can have your space, but I’m not leaving this town until you convince me there’s not an iota of a chance that you’ll return my feelings some day.” I stuff my hands in my pockets so I won’t grab her.
“Oh God, don’t do that!” She looks appalled, and I stiffen.
Kerry reaches for my arm and the instant she touches me, I’m ready to take on the world for her. “No, I meant don’t go to a hotel. The whole town would be talking and doing it in my living room.” She groans. “And then there’s Ted.”
“Who’s Ted?” I growl, gripping her upper arms lightly while leaning over her.
She rolls her eyes. “Ted is the local pharmacist who has decided I’m lonely. I’m not. And I’m not interested. In him.” She peeks at me shyly through her lashes, and I feel ten feet tall.
“Kerry?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you going to faint if I kiss you?” I ask as calmly as I can manage.
She blinks and then grins. “Maybe. But I think you should do it, anyway.”
I lean down. Kerry closes her eyes which makes me grin. They pop open again to see what’s taking so long, and I bring her chin up with a gentle finger. “Kerry, I love you. Don’t worry — ever — about saying it back. I simply want you to know.”
Then I kiss her, as softly and gently as I can manage, but one tiny taste and my need to claim her takes over. When her lips part, I dive in, deepening the kiss, letting her sweetness surround me. She stills a second later and reluctantly I pull back. She’s shocked, her fingers kneading my biceps and her tongue sweeping over her bee-stung lips. I wait impatiently for her verdict.
Kerry
Clearly, Trevor is out of my league. My lips are still burning from his kiss and I could tell he was holding back. Which is a good thing, because if he hadn’t, I think I might have literally burst into flames. But his eyes are worried, so I do my best to reassure him that I’m the one who isn’t cut out for all this stuff.
“Now I see what all the fuss is about,” I tell him with as much of a smile as I can manage. His eyes sharpen as they sweep over me, leaving me feeling exposed. “Kerry, when was the last time someone kissed you? Really kissed you?” he asks slowly.
Oh God. Am I that bad at it? “Uh, five seconds ago?” I respond cheekily.
