Page 95 of Sins (The Sins Trilogy 1)
Chapter Forty
Iris
I wonder if I said something to upset Tony. He got pretty quiet after I told him the girl he saved must be grateful. Picked at what was left on his plate rather than finishing his meal.
Despite my protests, he paid for brunch. And we’re back in his car, moving toward Byron’s place. This time, there’s no music and we aren’t talking. I almost wish TJ would put Schubert back on because this silence is really awkward.
I go back over our conversation at the diner. I probably said more than I normally would. Tony’s so easy to talk to. Unlike most people who squirm and look away when they hear bits of what happened to me, he leaned closer, asked questions and showed a genuine interest. Maybe I unloaded a little too much. I told him things that I haven’t even told Julie or Byron.
What were you thinking?No wonder he’s gone all silent. He was probably being polite. Marty said I wasn’t Tony’s type because I’m not a buxom brunette, and now my mouth has made sure I never will be.
Finally, the car stops in front of the building. TJ goes around and opens the door for me. Before I climb out, I turn to Tony. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” he says. “Just thinking.”
He’s too guarded. Unlike me, he isn’t going to unload on a virtual stranger, no matter how inviting they might seem. “If I said anything—”
“You didn’t, Iris. It isn’t you.”
“Do you want to come up?” I blurt out. Maybe there’s something I can do to lift his brooding mood.
“Can’t. I have an appointment.” He runs his thumb across my lower lip, making my heart speed up, my skin heat, but stops before touching the cut. “Does it still hurt?”
I shake my head, then have to swallow before I can answer. “It’s better now. The ointment helped.”
“I’m glad,” he says, studying my mouth.
Suddenly, I feel parched. He’s going to kiss me. I can tell.
Normally, I wouldn’t want a kiss from a virtual stranger, but Tony’s an exception. Anticipation spikes. I feel like I’ve waited my entire life for this.
His head dips, his large, warm hand on my shoulder, a finger under my chin angling my jaw slightly…
I part my lips, almost lightheaded with suspense and excitement. But his lips press against my forehead. They’re firm and hot, and his breath tickles my skin. It’s such a sweet gesture, full of affection and something else I can’t quite identify. I feel the touch all the way to my toes, which curl in my shoes, and my heart hammers.
He pulls back. “I’ll call you.”
I get out of the car on unsteady legs and watch him go, realizing for the first time in my life that with the right man, a kiss on the forehead can be more intimate and romantic than anything with anyone else.
