Chapter 16
GRETCHEN
Cooke indulged my request to tour the different neighborhoods, looking at house after house after house until most people would've thrown their hands up in boredom.
Instead, he seemed to enjoy it almost as much as I did.
It was like, in the dark, with the play of lights drifting across us as we glided through the night, there was something magical that happened.
Except it can't last forever. I know that and so, I think, does he. Neither of us wants to say the words though.
If we do, then the spell might break, and we're back to real life.
When he comes to a stop in my driveway, we don't talk.
He comes around to my side of the car, opens the door, and offers me his hand.
It's with his steady support that I make it up to the porch without slipping.
The wind has picked up, but Cooke blocks it with his large frame, offering me the protection of his body. It makes me feel special and sheltered.
As we reach the front door, I slip my key into the lock and turn, hearing the bolt turn over. The door pushes open easily and I'm reminded that the space is empty. Gavin's not here.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening, Cooke.” I don't want him to go but inviting him in is intimidating. Will he think we're moving too fast?
“Thank you, Gretchen.” He leans in close, the masculine scent of his cologne washes over me, and I pull it in with a deep breath.
My hands act on their own, sliding up until they come to rest on his chest. He's wearing a coat, but I feel like I can feel his heart racing beneath the thick layers between my fingers and his skin.
His eyes drift down to my mouth, and now it's my heart that's speeding up. “Damn, I want to kiss you.”
The words seem to escape him, heavy and husky in tone, but that only amplifies their honesty. My stomach flips over at the want I can hear in his voice. So I give in to my own.
“I really want you to kiss me.” My own voice is just above a whisper, but he hears me and gives me what I want.
His lips land on mine, and I'm grateful for his arms around my waist. Holding me up, because I can't seem to do it myself. My knees have gone weak, because his mouth is perfect. They mold to mine, a fit so warm and right that it pulls a gasp from me.
His tongue dives in and I can taste the chocolate from the dessert we shared. It's delicious, he's delicious, and a craving for more fires through me.
When we finally break apart, I don't notice the cold or the wind. All I see is the gorgeous man standing in front of me.
“Please come inside.” I invite him in, only realizing how my offer could be taken after it's too late. He grins, and I'm thrilled that I can make him smile. This beautiful man with so many layers of sadness hidden inside.
“I'd love to come inside.” His voice lingers over the words, investing them with humor and heat at the same time. “Only if you're sure, though.”
Instead of answering him, I grab his hand and lead him through the door.