“There’s nothing you can’t conquer.”
She bit her lip, and her gaze shifted down a brief second. “I can think of one thing—er—person,” her voice was quiet. “You’re like an impenetrable force of nature, Hunter.”
“True.” My turn to grin. “For the most part. But you’re blasting right through it, though.”
“I forgive you, so do you forgive me for not telling you about who my dad is?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Didn’t want you to treat me weird.”
“Why would I?”
“Billionaire’s messed up daughter? Spoiled rich kid getting everything handed to her?”
“So not what I was thinking.”
“Good.” She smiled again and leaned even closer. “I think I’m ready to share one more thing.”
“Three adventures in one night?” I brushed some hair from her forehead, so I got a clearer view of her smooth skin. “What is it?”
“A part of me.” She closed the distance between us, and our lips met.
Hers were cold, but soft, and as quickly as they’d touched mine, she leaned back, her eyes searching mine. I wasn’t sure what to say, it’d happened so fast. I barely got a sense of the kiss. It was so light and quick.
She bit her bottom lip and focused on mine again. I nudged my forefinger under her chin and got a good look at her eyes. They were curious and wide but filled with desire. I slid my finger along her jaw then placed my palm on her cheek.
She leaned into it and smiled. With her free hand, she grazed her chilly finger along my bottom lip. I eased forward and brushed my mouth to hers. She drew in a deep breath, and her eyes shot wide just before they closed.
I drew her closer and tilted her head as I suckled her bottom lip. She must have recently put on some lip balm because I tasted a subtle hint of strawberry. Her mouth opened slightly, and I meshed our lips together even more, drawing on her warmth.
Her cold fingers curled around my neck as she leaned back. I skimmed my thumb along her cheek, absorbing the heat from her skin.
“That was as amazing as I’d thought it would be,” she whispered.
“Ditto.”
“Had you thought of it?”
“Pretty much since day one,” I said.
“Why the change of heart?”
“You.”
“Me?” She grinned.
“You inspired me to be strong. Stronger than the shitty hand I was dealt. Stronger than my fear.” I kissed her cheek, wanting so badly to tackle her mouth and get a deeper taste. But like she said, small steps. I had to earn her trust. And most of all, I had to be worthy enough to take care of this precious woman.
And I would be strong for her because I was going to make her mine.
Chapter Eighteen
Angelina
“It’s called ice, and it’s very slippery,” I said, teasing Hunter.
He regarded the glossy, frozen water with wide, curious eyes. “I know what it is,smart ass.But me and ice skating…it’s not a good fit.”