Page 156 of Champagne Nights

“She sounds like a great girl. I would love to meet her someday.”

He smiled as he placed his hand on mine. “You will.”

The winds had calmed, and the rain had slowed. After finishing our lemon tart, Ben turned the music on from his iPhone and then held out his hand.

“May I have this dance?” he asked.

I hadn’t danced with anyone in a year and felt hesitant. Swallowing hard and taking in a deep breath, I placed my hand in his, and he led me over to the large, open space in the living room. As he placed his hand on my hip and wrapped his other hand around mine, we swayed to the soft music. This felt right. Too right. So right that it scared the shit out of me. His eyes were focused on my lips, and I knew he wanted to kiss me but was unsure. I was unsure if I wanted him to. I liked Ben a lot, but the overwhelming feeling of guilt wouldn’t stop invading my mind.

“You’re so beautiful, Paisley, and I can’t stop wanting to kiss you.”

He finally said it.

“I want you to,” I blurted out unexpectedly.

He leaned forward with a smile and softly brushed his lips against mine. He stopped and looked at me for approval. I reached up and let my lips brush against his. As they gently locked, he cupped my face in his hands. He was an amazing kisser, and it felt good to be kissed by someone again. I parted my lips so his tongue could meet mine. The moment was amazing until I saw his face behind my eyes. I pushed away and looked down.

“Are you okay?”

I wiped my lips, walked over to the table, and took a sip of my wine.

“I’m sorry, Ben.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

I’d made him feel like what he did was wrong, and I felt guilty for that.

“No. It’s me. It’s me and my fucking guilt.”

He walked over and pulled me into an embrace. “It’s okay. I completely understand. I have it, too,” he whispered as he kissed the top of my head.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really. I like you, Paisley. I like you a lot, and I like spending time with you. Sometimes, it scares me because I sit and wonder if these feelings I have are too soon, and I feel nothing but guilt.”

His words were sweet, and he made me feel calm.

“I like you too, Ben, and I like spending time with you.”

“I’m happy you said that. Can I kiss you again?” he asked as he softly placed the back of his hand on my cheek.

I nodded as he pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear and stared into my eyes. He brought his lips to mine, and we shared a soft and short kiss. Suddenly, the lights went back on, and we both looked at each other and began laughing.

“Thank God,” he said.

I looked at the time on my phone. It was already midnight. “I better get going. The storms seemed to have passed and I’m kind of tired.”

“Okay. Please be careful driving home, and I know this may sound crazy, but could you please send me a quick text letting me know you made it home safely?”

“That doesn’t sound crazy, and yes, I will.” I smiled.

I grabbed my purse from the couch and walked to the door. “Thank you for dinner. It was amazing. Also, thanks for the rest of the night. You really know how to lift me up.”

“You’re welcome.” He brushed his hand through my hair before kissing me goodnight.

When I got home, I climbed into bed, and Romeo jumped up and walked across me before snuggling in for the night. As I reached my hand over to pet him, I could feel the roar of his purr. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ben and our kiss. His lips were soft and inviting, warm and gentle. I found it soothing when he asked me to text him when I got home. He cared aboutme, and I found myself caring about him. Maybe a little too much.

Ben

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