Chapter 6: Kiss That Changed Everything

“Say it again.”

His voice was rough, almost pleading. I turned, surprised.

“Say it again, and I’ll believe you.” His voice was rough. Like he was fighting something inside.

He looked at me, eyes dark and intense. I swallowed, heart racing.

“What?” I looked up at him, then suddenly understood. “I have feelings—”

The words barely left my mouth before he moved.

Before I could finish, his hand closed around the back of my neck and he pulled me into his arms.

His grip was firm, but gentle. I melted into him. The world narrowed to just us.

The scent of cedar and his heated breath overwhelmed me.

It was intoxicating, dizzying. I clung to him, afraid to let go.

This time, it was my turn to stare wide-eyed.

I’d never felt so alive, so vulnerable. Every nerve in my body was on fire.

In our past life, Shane and I had never consummated our marriage—the most we’d ever done was hug.

The memory made me blush. I wondered what might have happened if we’d let ourselves be honest, sooner.

Even though I’d snuck a peek at some romance novels, nothing compared to the real thing.

Those stories never prepared me for this—the heat, the urgency, the way my heart threatened to burst from my chest.

I never knew that just a kiss could make my head spin, my face flush, and my knees go weak.

I clung to his shoulders. Nearly lost my balance more than once.

He steadied me, his hands warm and sure. I felt safe, cherished, wanted.

I don’t know how long it lasted, but eventually he let me go.

We stood there, breathless, staring at each other. The world felt new, full of promise.

I stepped back, clinging to the edge of the table, looking at him in confusion and lingering excitement.

My cheeks burned, my heart racing. I wondered if he felt the same.

Shane’s eyes were still dark, his voice husky with lingering longing.

He looked at me, lips parted, as if he wanted to say something more.

He said, “Lila, you shouldn’t have come to tempt me.” My heart fluttered at his words.

His words were soft, almost a whisper. But I could hear the promise in them—the promise of a new beginning, if only we were brave enough to take it.