Page 75 of Kiss Me Forever

"What happened?"

"We broke up. We were very young, so I don’t blame her. Looking back, it was obvious we wouldn't have lasted long-term."

"And after that?”

“Just casual dating. Fun. I liked keeping it simple."

I nodded. "I know what you mean.”

He trained his eyes on me while we waited for the waffle maker to beep. “You said you were with your ex for a long time.”

I sighed. “I was, and it blew up in my face. That’s why I’m doing things differently now. I’m not even sure I can go down that road again. Dream up a future, or even believe it can happen.”

He frowned. Something seemed to bother him.

“You were young for a serious relationship, that’s true.”

“My aunt always said I turned into an adult almost overnight after she took me in.”

“Do you remember your parents?”

“I do. I was eight when they passed away. Mom loved cooking. She was a foodie. I was too young to pick up any cooking skills, but the foodie trait is alive and well with me. She and Dad were so in love. Anyway, Aunt Dana thinks I matured fast because I lost them when I was so young.”

I put a hand on my chest, massaging my sternum. I always felt a hollow ache there when I thought about my parents.

“You do seem mature for your age. I was more concerned with partying when I was twenty-six.”

I narrowed my eyes, looking at him playfully. “You’re thirty-five, right?”

“Yes.” Wiggling his eyebrows, he added, “Does it bother you?”

“Not in the slightest. You’re like a fine wine. Getting better with age. At least, I imagine you do.”

He threw his head back, laughing. “That doesn’t feel like a compliment.”

“Oh, but it is. Besides, when I met you, I thought we were the same age.”

“My cousin Reese said something similar.”

I felt my eyes widen. “You spoke with her about this?”

“Yes. I like asking my family for advice.”

“Huh! I would have pegged you for someone who only does exactly what he wants.”

He flashed me a devilish grin. “I said I ask for advice, not that I follow it.”

I burst out laughing. “So, tell me about that property. Do you still have it?”

"Yeah, but it's rented out now."

"Does that mean you gave up on the idea of a family?"

A smile curled on his lips. "I just gave up on the idea of moving out of Chicago. I don't know why I had it in the first place. I love this city. It's my home.” He faced me head-on and looked me in the eyes. “Meg, I want to make one thing clear.”

“I’m listening.”

“You and I—we’re exclusive.”

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