And how I wished he would just turn and kiss me.
Just once.
Something to remember and keep me warm at night long after he realized what he was missing and left.
“Jillian, are you even listening?” I didn’t know how much time had gone by, but he had turned the page more than once. If Dean was planning on asking me questions about what he’d read, I would fail, no doubt about it.
I shook my head as a new shard of bravery took place in the middle of my chest. His breaths were fanning over my shoulder and my heart was racing. My gut told me that if I didn’t take this chance, I might never get it again. Tomorrow wasn’t promised and neither was another second with this man.
Taking the book from his hands, I ignored his questions. I turned to face him and put my finger over his lips, but he reached up and took my hand in his. “I wish I knew what you were thinking.”
My eyes darted to his full lips and I hoped he got the point.
He swallowed audibly. The tension was strung between us like a frustrating hammock.
“Do what you want, Jillian.”
I moved to get on my knees. He put his hands on my hips and drew my body in even closer, so close that we were sharing the same breaths.
“If you don’t kiss me, I might die.”
I wasn’t sure if that sentence came from my mind or from Dean’s mouth. Either way, it was too late. I was a goner.
He moved his hands to take my face between his palms after moving a stray hair behind my ear. My breath hitched in my mouth as he leaned forward. I met him in the middle, not being able to stand it any longer.
I needed to taste him. Feel him. Just the once.
Our mouths met, and my entire body felt like it went up in flames. His lips were soft and pliant, yet, he demanded more and more of me. Pulling back just a bit, he licked at my bottom lip and somehow, I knew to open it. His tongue tasted sweet against mine as his hands grabbed my waist, fisting the fabric there.
And just as it had begun, he pulled back. My eyes were still closed. I leaned forward and put my head against his chest.
“That was…” He began and my head shot up so I could face him. If he said it was wrong or gross or weird, I would just wither up and die right there. “Incredible.”
I felt the smile rise to my face and nodded.
“Jillian, was that your first kiss?”
Another nod.
“I’m honored. I really am.”
I believed him.
Mate.