Page 68 of The Heart Shot
The thought of letting down this woman I had just met, and hardly knew, had me biting at my nails as Jameson pulled me into the hallway, locking the door behind him.
I started the trek back to the entrance when warm fingers wrapped around my wrist, stopping me.
“How did you do that?” Jameson asked, voice uncharacteristically hoarse.
“Do what?”
He shook his head, stepping toward me, slowly backing me against the wall of the empty hallway. “My mother is very picky. She’s never liked anyone I’ve introduced to her. Not that there’s been many,” he hurried to add, wincing. “But you…you completely enchanted her.”
My back hit the wall,Jameson’s hands landing on either side of my head, blocking me in. His mouth was only inches from mine, and my chest heaved from the sudden closeness, my body begging for him to move closer. His fingers trailed across my cheek, down my neck, and lingered on my collarbone, setting me on fire.
“You’re…” he sighed. “You’re incredible.”
And then his lips were on mine.
Despite knowing that our relationship had an expiration date, that kissing him would only lead to getting more attached, I leaned into the kiss. His body pressed into mine, chest to chest and hips against hips. His fingers tangled into my hair, and mine skimmed the skin at the bottom of his shirt. I was making out with Jameson Beck…in an assisted living home.
Was it weird? Maybe. Was it also hot? Most definitely.
But then someone cleared their throat, and we jumped apart. The receptionist, Rhonda, stood a few feet away with crossed arms. Her foot tapped against the floor.
Had I just gone for a swim in a pool of fire? That’s how my body felt—everything was burning.
“H-hey, Rhonda,” Jameson stuttered through a sheepish smile. “Mom is doing well, so we’re going to go now. Okay? Okay, bye!”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me along at a pace that had me skipping to keep up. An absurd giggle bubbled out of my throat. I felt like a teenager again, stealing kisses and secret moments with a boy.
It made me feel…alive.
When was the last time I had felt like this?
Jameson looked over his shoulder at my giggle and gave me a crooked smile that had me laughing harder. When we made it out to his truck, he backed me against the door and kissed me again, though much slower this time, savoring every moment.
Like kissing me was the most important thing in the world, inhisworld.
“Elsie…” he whispered against my lips, sending a shiver through me. “I need to tell you something.”
I was lost in his breath on my lips, in the feeling of his hands on my waist, that it took a moment for his words to sink in. Then my stomach fell to the cement beneath my feet, my brain immediately jumping to conclusions. Was this it? The end of whateverthiswas? He saw how much his mother liked me and decided that I couldn’t get closer to either of them? This was where he was going to walk away, cut all ties?
I knew the end was coming. I expected it. I kept telling myself Iwantedit to end.So why did it feel like I was losing something special? Why did it hurt to think of him saying all of this was over and that he didn’t want to see me again?
Because you’re falling for him, you fool,Smart Elsie barked in my mind.
I held my breath as I met his hazel gaze.
Was I?
Was I falling for Jameson Beck?
“Elsie…” Jameson repeated, halting my spinning thoughts. “I…I know I said that I wanted you to give me just three dates—and then we’d part ways if you wanted.”
Here it comes.
“I know I said that but…” He exhaled, brushing his lips against mine, leaving me lightheaded when he pulled away. “I want more than three dates, Elsie.” He took my face gently in his hands. “I want more with you.”
My heart stuttered to a halt before doubling in tempo. He wantedmore?
“I can’t stand the thought of saying goodbye. I…” His eyes moved back and forth between mine as if he were searching for something. “There’s something here…” He exhaled, his breath clouding in the chilly air. “Elsie, I’m falling for you.”
