Chapter 59
CHAPTER 59
T here was no way around it. He was smitten. If Kent had thought he was into Gemma before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now they had kissed. Who knew kisses could be like that? It was like thousands of fireworks going off simultaneously inside him, and even though she’d broken away, her hand had stayed in his all night, their fingers fitting perfectly together.
Never could he remember feeling such a complete sense of excitement. His cheeks were already aching from smiling through their text conversation and he couldn’t wait to kiss her sober, too. For her to know the attraction wasn’t because of the drink. It wasn’t just physical, though. He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed so much talking to someone. Although he had told her one lie that evening.
Despite what he had said to Gemma, Kent had been fully aware that the yacht club had slowly emptied of all its patrons, but he just hadn’t been willing to let the night end. He could have stayed there until dawn, listening to her talk, watching her laugh, as he regaled her with stories of embarrassment from his youth. It had felt like a punch to the gut to wake up and find her gone without so much as a quick peck on the lips, but then he knew how seriously she took her job.
Part of him thought about waiting until the end of the day to message, but he didn’t want to pressure her. Especially not if she regretted what had happened. Still, the idea of waiting to contact her was more than he could bear. It took him over half an hour to write a text he was happy with and hit send, but it had been worth it. Her replies had told Kent everything he needed to know. Gemma liked him as more than just a boss or a friend. She didn’t regret the kiss, date, or anything that had happened between them. Which meant there was a real chance she could fall for him like he’d fallen for her. Now, he just had to do everything he could to avoid messing it up.