Page 24 of Kissing Her Rescuer

“Eliza,” he said, waiting until she met his gaze. “Would you like to go on a date with me?”

It sounded strange, asking her out after their past, but they needed to start over. Small steps getting to know each other.

“Yes. I would.” She stood, and he rose with her. “But, will you please put me out of my misery and kiss me already?”

His insides lit up. He couldn't make a joke or even smile. Not when something he'd dreamed about for years finally stood within his grasp.

He cupped her cheek, and they were suddenly back to that moment in Alabama eight years ago, the first time he kissed her.

The door to the kitchen swung open. Nash started to step inside.

“Leave,” Dewey demanded, not releasing Eliza or looking away.

“Gone,” Nash replied. The screen door slapped shut.

“You better do it before anything else interrupts us.” She stepped closer.

He lowered his head, brushing his lips with hers as her eyes closed. He kissed her again, lightly. This was happening.

The faint taste of margarita still on her lips left him feeling drunk. The kiss was painfully slow. Sweet. Perfect.

His body wanted more. His mouth wanted to take hers until she could hardly stand. But now wasn't the time. This kiss was something they both needed.

“What do you mean I can't go into my own house?” Becky's loud voice registered in his brain. The screen door opened. “Well, dang.” Then it shut.

Eliza pulled away. “I'm afraid we can't monopolize the house.”

“I say we can.” He ran his hand down the side of her waist and up her back. “They obviously saw something between us neither one of us would give in and admit to.”

She traced the edge of his jaw with her fingertips. “This won't make any sense, I know, but I've missed you holding me this way. I've thought about us that night, a lot.”

He rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closing tight. “It makes perfect sense. I tried to stay away from you, let you have your space. Figure things out.” He'd tried and finally lost. But he wouldn't let the deeper feelings suck him back in again.

“Where does that leave us?” She kissed him, a soft press of her lips to his.

“Dating.”

She nodded, but then her eyes dimmed a little. “But I can't let this affect Carrie. She's so confused about her dad right now.”

The worry in her voice made him hate Zach even more. “Your call.”

She ran her hands down his arms and back up like she couldn't stop touching him. He didn't blame her since he felt the exact same way. “Where are you taking me on our first date?”

“Not to Rhonda's.”

She laughed. “I agree.”

“I have off Saturday afternoon. Let’s go fishing. You used to like that.” And it was guaranteed that he wouldn’t spend the entire time trying to kiss her.

“Fishing? I haven't been in a while. But I don't know about Saturday. Ms. Iris and Daddy are leaving for the weekend.”

Dewey tightened his hold on her. He’d get a date one way or another. “You know, my mom can watch Carrie. I bet she’d love it.”

“Oh.” Her teeth caught her bottom lip. “Okay. I haven’t let many people watch Carrie, but if Ms. Clara still has all those dolls, then Carrie will be excited, I’m sure.”

“Hurry up in there,” Becky shouted. “You men may look graceful doing your business out in the open of nature, but us girls have different plumbing.”

Eliza stepped away, grabbing her water bottle and leaving his arms empty. “All clear, Becky.”

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