Page 54 of Reformation

I don’t even think my last words are out before he pulls me from my chair, up onto his lap. He has one arm around my waist while the other is slowly tracing the lines of my face. I lean into his touch because, God, I have missed it. Which sounds absurd considering we spent one night together three days ago. If I don’t watch myself, Garrett Dixon could become an addiction.

“You’re falling for me?”

Does he really need to ask that?

I nod. “I tried not to. I tried so hard. I know the timing is wrong and there are a million reasons we shouldn’t be together but—”

He places a finger in front of my mouth. “There are a million reasons why we should.”

And that’s it. If there was a string holding back my resolve, it’s officially snapped.

Garrett leans in to kiss me and I don’t deny him. He kisses me with everything he has, and I give it right back.

I don’t know if he possesses some kind of magic, but I feel this kiss in every part of my body. The way his tongue is exploring my mouth, the way his hands are holding me to him, the way his lips feel as they move over mine, how I feel his length growing underneath my legs…

It’s too much. It’s not enough. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

I know I said I didn’t regret the kiss we shared the other night. And I never will, because it’s the kiss that broke through whatever Garrett and I were feeling toward each other.

But this kiss? This is the real first kiss.

The kiss that will forever change my life.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Garrett

Contrary to popular belief, I haven’t been on many first dates.

In fact, I’ve been on two.

The two women who went on those dates with me can now call themselves my ex-wives. Well, one can and one will be able to in a matter of weeks.

That thought isn’t lost on me as I walk to Paige’s door to pick her up for our first official date.

Though, that is not the only thing that is different. On those dates I was in a full suit heading to a five-star restaurant that would cost me hundreds of dollars when all was said and done. Tonight I went with dark jeans and a gray sweater as I’m about to take Paige to a restaurant that will cost me less than fifty dollars, even if we get the most expensive things on the menu.

There is one other difference, and I’m smacked across the face with it as Paige opens her door.

She is nothing like the women in my past.

“Paige, you look stunning.”

And she does. She’s wearing a pale blue cotton dress that is the exact color of her eyes. Her hair is styled, but it also doesn’t look like she spent four hours on it, or had it professionally done. Her makeup is minimal, like always.

She’s beautiful. Classic.

She’s Paige.

“I hope this is dressy enough. Since now, for the second time, you aren’t telling me where we’re going.”

“You look perfect. Tonight is casual. No fancy steakhouse. No hundred-dollar bottle of wine. No food we have to ask a translation for. No frog testicles. Tonight is just us.”

“I like the sound of that.”

I smile, holding out my hand for her as she grabs her purse and jacket before she shuts her door. I lace my hand through hers as we take the short walk to my car, which I know is unnecessary, but now that I can touch her, it’s all I seem to want to do.

“Do you like seafood?” I ask.

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