Page 820 of One More Kiss

Gaia

The ride homefrom the gallery was something like a dream. I couldn't believe that I had met this man a mere two days ago and not only was I falling for him but also his adorable children, who were at this moment fast asleep with their heads in my lap, the victims of a massive sugar crash.

Their father sat next me gripping my hand, our fingers interlocked while furiously texting with his other hand.

"How were you able to leave the gallery in the middle of the party? Weren't you supposed to make a speech or say goodbye or…"

“Darling, I can do whatever I want. Besides, I have more pressing matters to attend to.” He lifted our interlocked hands and kissed mine before returning to his phone. My heart skipped a beat when he called me Darling.

"It's a beautiful space. When Professor Swensen offered me the ticket to the Gallery opening, I jumped at the chance to see it. I had no idea it was yours."

“Would you have stayed away if you’d known?”

"Well," I started nervously. We were having a good time, and now I was going to ruin it…again. "I just assumed…after the first time we met…you would never want to see me again."

“After the first time we met, I was afraid I’d never see you again…Wait…” His brow furrowed. “Did you say Victoria invited you to the opening?”

“Yes, sometimes, Professor Swensen has mini competitions between her grad students with the prize being a ticket to a coveted event; movie premieres, gallery openings, book releases… This time I won." I squeezed his hand. He smiled at me but seemed deep in thought before laughing to himself.

“I think we all won tonight.”

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