Page 93 of Doughn't Let Me Go

“Nope. Just enjoy your coffee.”

I plunk back down and watch her crack eggs and chop ingredients while sipping on my dwindling java.

It’s several minutes before either of us speaks again.

“Do you think she…” Dory starts quietly, her tongue swiping across her bottom lip and then disappearing again. “Do you think she expects us to…”

“Kiss?” I lift a brow, and she nods bashfully. “It appears so.”

Another blush.

I lift myself from the stool, moving around the counter to refill my empty cup because today is definitely a two-cups kind of day.

I turn to ask Dory if she’d like some but she’s right there, and we collide into each other.

I grab her upper arms, steadying her.

Though it’s an innocent one, I can’t deny how good she feels under my touch. But she always feels good.

Soft. Warm.

I walk her backward until she’s resting against the counter, my fingers sliding down her arms until my hands settle on her hips.

She presses into me, and I press back and then wrap my arms around her.

“Dory…”

She sighs.

“I—”

She shakes her head, then drops it, burying her face in my chest. I feel her hot breath against me, and I will my dick not to react.

“Please don’t say anything about last night, Porter. I’m embarrassed enough by my words. I don’t need any reminders. I’m putting on a brave face for Kyrie today, and hopefully by tonight I’ll forget all about it.”

I won’t.

“Promise me?”

I nod. “Okay. I won’t say anything.”

“Thank you.”

This time the sigh is filled with relief, and I squeeze her tighter, relishing the feel of her in my arms while it lasts.

* * *

I can’t getmy daughter’s words out of my head.

It would be nice if you had someone to kiss again.

I want that too.

You used to be so happy when you got kisses from Mommy.

I was. I was so fucking happy.

Things weren’t perfect with me and my ex, but we never pretended they were.

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