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He is silent for a long moment. Long enough that I risk a glance upward.

“No. I suppose you can’t.” He lifts his glass, appraising me over the rim as he takes a slow sip. “But that doesn’t mean you have to close yourself off to other possibilities.”

My lips part, but no words come. I can only stare at him mutely, pulse skittering.

Before I can gather my scattered thoughts, the waiter appears to clear our plates.

“Can I interest you in dessert this evening?”

Connor’s eyes latch onto mine, burning with that familiar intensity. “The Tiramisu, please.”

A few minutes later, the waiter arrives, bearing a beautifully crafted tiramisu and placing it between us. Its creamy layers are perfectly formed and garnished with fresh raspberries. This is my absolute favorite dessert.

But… there’s only one portion, not two.

I glance across at Connor, eyebrows raised in question.

“One is enough for two, don’t you think?” He scoots his chair closer to mine.

“What are you doing?” I blink at him.

“Just play along.” He lifts his spoon, scooping up a bite of tiramisu. “Now, open up.”

“I’m not a child, Connor.”

His voice drops to a husky murmur as he moves the spoon closer to my lips. “Indulge me.”

I hesitate for a moment, my pulse racing, then part my lips. Connor places the spoon into my mouth, and I close my eyes as the rich sweetness of coffee and chocolate floods my senses.

When I open them again, he watches me with dark, hungry eyes. The spoon leaves my mouth with a soft plop, and I savor the rich, creamy sweetness.

But instead of scooping another bite, Connor gives me a sudden kiss. His tongue pushes past my lips, exploring my mouth, tasting the remnants of the tiramisu. At first, I’m taken aback, but soon, I melt into the kiss, my body responding instinctively to his touch, his boldness, and my own eagerness.

Receding only marginally, he breaks the kiss, licking his lips as he rests his forehead against mine. “I knew it would taste better like this.”

“You can’t just do that here.”

“Do what?” He arches a brow, feigning innocence.

“Kiss me like that.” I glance around the restaurant. No one seems to have noticed our impromptu make-out session, but my nerves are still frayed.

“My apologies.” His tone is light, teasing. “I couldn’t resist.”

“Well, resist. Or at least wait until we’re alone.”

“Alone? I like the sound of that.”

My cheeks burn as I struggle to form a coherent response. Finally, I manage a shaky, “Do you want to come over after?”

Connor’s smirk softens into a smile, one that makes my chest ache with tenderness.

“Yes, but first. We finish this.” He scoops another bite and lifts the spoon to his own mouth this time.

I’m in so much trouble.

Chapter 21

Mary

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