Page 60 of Freedom's Kiss
Chapter 25
Adam stared down into the dark depths of Olivia’s eyes, more than slightly disappointed he hadn’t had to kiss her silent. That was one challenge he’d have been more than happy to rise to. But her full lips, flushed red from the press of his mouth, remained closed. She looked at him as if she’d never seen him before. Bewilderment and amazement making her too cute not to kiss. Lowering his head, he planted a quick peck on her lips. Nothing that would derail either of their thoughts or transport them to another place, but one that sealed his claim. And maybe even staked one…if she’d let him.
He let his fingers graze along her bare arm toward her hand, interlacing their fingers. “Have plans for the rest of the morning?”
She stared at their locked hands and shook her head.
He brought her hand up to his lips, her eyes trailing their movement until they met his. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles, keeping eye contact the whole time, hoping she’d see the truth in what he’d said—no ulterior, altruistic motive lay behind his affection. Just a deep desire to be with her. “Spend it with me?”
She looked away, suddenly shy.
He hadn’t seen this side of her. She’d portrayed herself as a woman of gumption, storming into his business and practically demanding he give her a place to prove herself—and she had—all the while being confident and witty and capable. Why, then, the abrupt change? Could it be…no, it couldn’t…but maybe…
In slow motion his mouth curved into a grin. Did her swift turn of temperamentreallyhave to do with him? Did he have that effect on her?
One way to find out.
He pulled her against him, his fingers lacing together at her lower back, his hold loose enough to be nonthreatening but weighted enough to let her know he wanted her right where she was and would be sorely disappointed if she tried to step out of the circle of his arms. “I know I haven’t mentioned it before, but I would be remiss if I remained silent now. You are beautiful, Olivia Arroyo.”
Even beneath her olive complexion, she flushed.
“You are beautiful and strong and kind, and I would like permission to kiss you again.”And whenever I want.
Her eyes questioned, hesitant, unsure. Of them or his motives?
“I promise I want this. I want you.”
A timid smile transformed her face, bowing her mouth and lighting her eyes. His own lips turned up as he covered her mouth with his own. He went slow, kissing her with tenderness, letting her know he was exactly where he wanted to be. With the person he so desperately wanted to be with.
Tilting his chin to his chest, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. “Spend the morning with me.”
This time when she met his gaze, the bit of sauciness uniquely hers backlit her grin. “Okay.”
He squeezed her hand, gave her a quick peck, and took a step back. “I have an errand I have to run right now, but it shouldn’t take too long. Pick you up at your place?”
“Sure.”
“Great.” He locked the food truck and pocketed his keys, picking her hand back up and winding their fingers together again. He walked her to her car and said good-bye with one last kiss, then headed to his own car and drove to the county clerk’s office at the courthouse. Hopefully, Darlene could pull some strings and help him out.
His stomach clenched as he mounted the marble steps and passed the huge columns supporting the portico. The origination of his greatest regrets. Ones he tried so hard to right. But no matter what he did, how much he added to his side of the scale, the balance never equaled—he always came out owing more. He’d spend the rest of his life trying to offset his actions and the consequences of them.
He kept his head down as he walked through the familiar halls, not wanting to encounter knowing or curious looks from his previous colleagues.
“Adam Carrington, is that you?”
He looked up, Darlene’s friendly smile welcoming him, making his middle churn even more. But he wasn’t here for himself. He’d told Olivia he’d help her out with the legal roads to finding her birth mom, and Darlene was a good first step. She knew everything about everything and could point him in the right direction. Criminal law and adoption law didn’t often meet at a crossroads, so he was unfamiliar with the current state of legislation regarding opening closed records.
He forced a pleasant expression, hoping his face didn’t betray the discomfort being back in the courthouse wreaked on him. “How you doing, gorgeous?”
Darlene swatted an arthritic hand at him, her smile revealing a line of pink lipstick on her dentures. “Ever the flirt, I see.”
He folded his arms and leaned them against the countertop in front of her, adding a wink for good measure. “Only with you, love.”
She shook her head, but her pleated cheeks blushed. “Tell me, what can I do for you?”
“I’ve got a friend who recently found out she was adopted and wants to find her birth parents.”
Her penciled-on brows rose. “A friend, not a client?”
