Page 121 of Begin Again

He gazed into my eyes for a long time. A crooked grin appeared on his face. He almost seemed a bit shy. “Wow, Bubbles. It’s the first time I’ve managed to stun you into silence.”

It was like he was trying to lighten the charged atmosphere. After getting my breathing back under control, I quipped, “I didn’t know it hurt to love me.”

His mouth twitched. “If you only knew.”

“What do you mean, it hurts?” I asked, intending to make him smile. But to my surprise Kaden started to search for the right words.

“It’s like my whole body is on fire… but in a good way. Everything contracts in me and at the same time it explodes, if I see you or smell you or… I’m really bad at describing this kind of thing.” Now he wore a dangerous grin. He lowered his head and sucked my lower lip between his teeth. “I’m better at this.”

He kissed me again. His weight bore down on me, but I wanted him even closer. I tugged at his shirt.

In a flash he broke free and sat up, lifting me so I was now straddling his lap. The tips of our noses touched, and Kaden’s eyes sparkled up close.

“I’ve got so much planned,” he said.

I tilted my head. “More presents?”

“Of course, Bubbles.”

“Good. I’ve gotten used to having dessert served to me at noon.” I wiggled my eyebrows the way Scott always did.

“I’ve got something very special planned for tomorrow,” Kaden continued, leaning back. He put his hands on my hips and pulled me even closer.

“And that’s why you want to leave now,” I concluded.

“No,” he answered, surprised. “Unless you’re kicking me out.”

I shook my head.

“Good. So, since I planned something big for tomorrow, I’d like to…” He tugged my shirt down in a gentle movement so that it covered my belly again.

“You want to take it slow.”

Kaden gave a quick nod. And then made a face. “No. I wouldn’t say that’s what I ‘want’ to do, Bubbles. But I want to earn it.” His voice sounded husky and his half-smile looked kind of sad.

“I know you’re sorry, Kaden,” I said, touching his cheek. “And I forgive you. Forgave you already, in fact.”

He nestled his face in my hand. “Then just wait till tomorrow.”

“Brownies again?” I asked.

Kaden shook his head. “Better. Much better.”

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