Page 96 of The Broken Heart Playlist
Tess points a wooden spoon at her. “Stay right where you are, Princess. This is Mom’s night.” Before Lisset’s bottom lip can jut out, she adds, “We don’t want your magnificence overshadowing your mom. It’s her turn to shine.”
Lisset giggles and resumes her basil tearing, suddenly content to stay put.
“Thank you for looking after Lisset,” I say to Tess. “Hope you two have fun.”
“Not as much fun as you’ll have. See you later.”
She’s staying the night at my place. Aaron is away at a cybersecurity conference and Tess didn’t want to be home alone. At least, that’s the reason she gave me. I suspect she wants to stay up all night bombarding me with questions about every detail of my date with Gideon.
I’m heading down the hallway when Tess abruptly catches up to me and says in a low voice, “Look, I genuinely like Gideon but just take care, okay?”
I gape at her. “Why would you say this now?”
“It’s probably nothing, but sometimes Gideon has this expression, like something is really troubling him.”
“Seriously? Anexpression?”
“When we first met, Aaron had the same haunted expression.”
Aaron had good reason for that expression, and we only understood why when we found out what he suffered through in his past. But Gideon? It’s not the same. This is merely Tess and her fanciful imagination. But in a bid to appease her, I say, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care. Now I have to go.”
Tess pulls me in for a quick hug. “Have a good time.”
I step outside and close the front door behind me. We’re one week away from summer and I can already feel the warm buzz in the air.
Gideon is halfway up my porch steps. The second he sees me, he freezes. His expression is certainly not troubled.Heatedwould be a more accurate description.
A crackling energy swirls in the air between us. Wordlessly, his eyes map every inch of me.
I really need him to say something. But he continues to simply stare at me.
I clear my throat. “I don’t usually wear dress—”
I don’t have a chance to finish. In the space of two heartbeats, he’s closed the distance between us until he’s standing right in front of me. In my personal space. My breath catches, but I’m not in the least afraid.
“Give me a moment to just admire you. You’re always beautiful to me, but tonight”—he swallows—“it’s like you’re lit up from within.”
“I had a makeover—”
“Uh-uh. Accept the compliment.”
“Am I going to be able to finish any of my sentences tonight?”
“Not if they’re excuses. You look lovely.”
I feel suddenly shy. “Thank you.”
My eyes wander over his charcoal gray shirt, dark trousers, and tailored blazer. Gideon in jeans and T-shirt is incredibly attractive, but dressed-up Gideon is devastatingly appealing.
“Now, I’d like to start again. Good evening, Kate.” He leans in to brush a whisper of a kiss on my right cheek, the rough graze of his trim beard contrasting with the soft touch of his lips.
He straightens and we lock eyes for a long moment.
Well, well, he’s advanced us to the kiss greeting. Someone is flexing the rules. Someone with a playful half smile tipping his lips and a knowing glint in his eyes.
This is Gideon at his most dangerous.
Judging by the way my skin is burning, I’m here for it.
