Page 22 of Only Ever Mine

Her glass was nearly empty, her fingers tracing idle patterns against the rim. “You know this is complicated, right?”

I leaned in, resting my forearm on the table. “And?”

She exhaled a quiet laugh. “You don’t do complicated, Christian.”

I studied her. “Maybe I do now.”

Scarlett stilled, her eyes searching mine.

Then, before either of us could think better of it, I reached for her hand.

She let me.

Just like she let me tilt her chin up as I leaned in.

This time, there was no hesitation.

Our second kiss wasn’t tentative—it was claiming.

The taste of wine and something sweeter lingered on her lips, and I deepened the kiss.

I pulled her closer, feeling her sink into me just as much as I was sinking into her.

When we finally broke apart, she was breathing hard, her fingers gripping the edge of the table.

I traced my thumb across her lower lip, my voice rough. “I don’t do complicated, Scarlett, but for you? I’ll make an exception.”

The drive back to her apartment was quiet—but charged.

Scarlett was clearly battling something internally, her fingers tapping against her thigh, her gaze flickering toward me every few minutes.

She wanted me to come inside.

I could see it. Feel it.

But she was holding back.

I parked in front of her building, and instead of letting her walk up alone, I stepped out, escorting her to her door.

She turned to face me, and for the first time since I’d met her, Scarlett Lane looked…uncertain.

“I enjoyed myself,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of something unspoken.

I tilted my head, studying her, letting the moment stretch between us. “I’m happy to hear that.”

And I was. More than I probably should be.

She hesitated, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t sure if I should say yes to another date. Adatedate, I mean.”

I leaned in slightly, smirking. “But you did. You just can’t get enough of me.”

Her lips curved, amusement flashing in her eyes. She let out a small, almost reluctant laugh. “Yeah… I guess I can’t.”

Something about the way she said it—like she was only just realizing it herself—sent a thrill through me.

That answer shouldn’t have made me feel as victorious as it did, but this woman was turning me inside out.

I took a step closer, one hand bracing against the wall behind her.

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