Page 27 of Mad Love

“Speak for yourself. I’m more of a prune.”

The hurt disappears from her face, and laughter shoots from her. I chuckle, her happiness worth the cheesy-as-fuck line.

“Thank you for the flowers and the card. I miss my grandfather very much.”

“He was a good man.”

“Yes.” She sinks further into the water. “Um, we should get out. Or at least, I should. This is awkward.”

Agreed, however . . . “Is it only flesh on flesh that you don’t like?”

“Yes.”

I back up until I’m at the other end of the pool.

“Come here, Blaise.”

Without hesitation, she swims to me, her long black hair trailing behind her like a cape. With what she’s been through, she’s my superhero.

Blaise is resilient, showing up for this long game called life rather than giving up and letting the darkness pull her down. She stops arm’s length from me, her hair floating around her face like the petals of the flowers in the bouquets I sent her. I get a crazy idea.

“Can I touch your hair and only your hair?”

“I’d like that.”

Lowering herself into the water, she fans out the strands with her fingers and closes her eyes. I reach out and stroke the strands. Wrap my fingers around them. Gently tug.

Her lips part, giving me a glimpse of the tip of her tongue peeking out from between straight white teeth. Her brows pull together in concentration. She’s beautiful, and when she moves her arms out of the water and does these soft strokes near my body, I see the gold of her ring and am reminded that she is my wife.

“Blaise?”

“Hmm?” Her eyes flutter open. Thick, dark eyelashes cling together, drawing my gaze to her eyes, one blue, one green.

“How about my mouth on yours? Does that count as flesh on flesh?” As her husband, I take liberties with how much she’s willing to indulge me.

Her dark brows angle low to her nose. “I’m guessing so? It’s, um, it’s pathetic, but I’ve never kissed anyone, so I wouldn’t know if it repulses me or not.” She stares at my mouth. “Should we try?”

“I’m up for it if you are,” I tell her in a gentle voice. Never has a woman threatened to bring me to my knees with her insecurity and her confession as well as her innocence.

“If I don’t like it, promise you won’t take it personally? I’m sure if I asked the women you’ve been with, they’ll say you’re the best kisser, hands down.”

A lopsided grin from her and my heart does this weird somersault. I give Blaise my truth.

“I don’t give two fucks what other women think. Your opinion is all that matters, baby.”

Shy smile from her. “Baby. I like that. Beats darling.” She swims back to the other side of the pool, and resting on the edge, she crooks her finger. “Come closer, Maddox.” Same lopsided smile.

This woman . . . She’s too charming and sexy for her own good.

I swim over, and holding on to the edge of the pool so that our bodies don’t touch, I bracket my arms on either side of her. She tips her face up and closes her eyes. This is my chance to soak up her beauty.

Long, dark lashes caress her pale skin. Faint freckles on the bridge of her nose, and a few scattered on her cheeks. Full red lips. A drop of water clings to the dip of her upper lip, and I long to flick away the drop with my tongue, jealous that it gets to touch her there.

Except I can touch her. My tongue darts out. I flick at that drop of water. Press my mouth to hers. Groan at how soft her lips are. How salty she tastes. It’s her first kiss. Make it good. Her first kiss. Make it good.

The words loop through my brain. I shouldn’t think so hard. Thinking ruins the moment. Takes away from how soft her lips are. How her whimper reverberates on my mouth. I move my mouth side to side over hers. Tunnel my fingers through her long hair, being careful to touch only the inky strands. She whimpers again. Opens to me.

Blaise likes the kiss. Isn’t repulsed. Satisfaction courses through me, and I tug slightly on her hair, giving me better access to her mouth. I deepen the kiss. Taste the wall of her mouth. Tease her tongue with mine.

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