“Half—nothin’, I’ve got skills, and I’d love to one day show them to you.” A slower song starts, and I hear the beat, but the words escape me as I’m all about his voice, mouth, strong hands…
I lay my head against his shoulder. Inhaling deeply triggers a strange yet comforting memory like being in a warm summer meadow while wrapped in a soft fleece blanket in a favorite pair of jammies. It is just like—home.
“You keep me feelin’ like this, and I’ll give you almost anything.”
“Baby steps.” He whispers, running a hand down my back. “Let's get comfortable with each other and the company, then worry about giving or taking. But I will give you this note. It is far better to let me give, and you receive.”
Can my heart handle him? I’m not so sure. “You better not break this heart we share.”
Kris’ hand snakes up my side and settles between my breasts. “I promised to protect this heart for as long as it beat when it was still in another. I have no intention of breaking that promise, now.”
I swallow hard, looking up at him. I know he can feel how fast this heart is beating—hell—he makes it skip a beat. The song ends, and I lead him to a booth.
“I need to sit before we start singing.”
“Of course.” He pulls me into him, seeming to want the connection as much as I do. “I think I like it here best. Right now especially.”
I lay my head back against Kris, my back to his front, and my feet up on the bench seat in front of me. “I could stay right like this forever. Music playing, wrapped in strong arms and feeling like home.”
I feel Kris sigh behind me. “I know what you mean. I haven’t had a home in eleven years.”
“Fate.” One simple word is all I have.
“Kris?” A woman’s voice filters in, and I feel him move slightly, but not enough to release his hold on me. Looking up, I see a tall brunette with bright hazel eyes. She’s a bit older but still very pretty.
“Aunt Joanie?” He sounds surprised.
She grins. “I thought that was you shugs.” She slips into the other side of the booth and extends her hand. “Hi, I’m Joanie Kingsman. This knucklehead’s Great Aunt.” If she wore any more turquoise jewelry, I’d mistake her for a mannequin.
I sit up and turn so I can talk to Joanie. Kris’ hand slips down my back to my hip. I take Joanie’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Nicolette Barrett.”
Joanie’s eyes instantly tear, and her well-manicured hand goes to her mouth. “No—I remember you—well, not you, but your daddy—Robert Barrett.” Her eyes lift to Kris, “Kris, baby, this is the little girl that got pixie’s heart.”
“I know. Small world.” He chuckles softly.
“Not as small as you think. I mean, your daddy—” She looks at me again. “He was so desperate to save you. I met with him so many times, trying to find a donor. But with you being A—negative. If it hadn’t been for….” She looks down and smiles as she hugs Kris and me together. “I’m so happy you all found each other. You all look wonderful together. Pixie and your daddy would totally approve.”
This woman is crazy. “I’ve taken really good care of it. I got a second chance, and I refuse to mess it up.” I look back at Kris, who’s got his lip in his mouth even as he smiles.
“Perhaps we all are getting a second chance.” He bends down, and before I can even phantom what’s happened, he’s kissed me. It’s soft, and lasts about as long as a single breath, but it took my breath away all the same.