Page 20 of Heal Me

He brings his large palm up and cups the side of my face. “You didn’t. I promise. And I’ll be more clear next time.” I tilt my head, and our lips brush. I thought it would be at least a little awkward in front of Gunnar’s family, but it feels natural, and oh so very right.

“Get a room!” A throw pillow bounces off Gunnar’s head, and we spring apart. Gunnar lobs the pillow back at Bjorn, who bats it away. Jules crawls to the other side of Erik and tucks himself against him, more like he’s using Erik as a shield for any further pillow projectiles than because he’s afraid, but it’s a good indication of how this could escalate.

It’s been an enjoyable evening, and everyone has behaved well, but perhaps we’ve reached the limit on getting along. I stretch my arms out and follow it up with a yawn before collapsing back against Gunnar’s thigh. It does the trick. Gunnar squeezes my shoulder and stands up. “I think it’s time we head out. Everyone has work tomorrow. You ready Joce?”

I nod. “Thank you for allowing me to intrude on your family dinner. Erik, the food was absolutely exquisite, and your wine recommendation was superb.”

Astrid grabs my hand and squeezes. “It was great to have you here. Come back anytime. You have an open invitation to Osouf family events. No need to wait for me to drag you to them, now.” She winks at me.

Bjorn stands and claps me on the shoulder. “Yeah, and now that you’re with Gunnar, you can’t say no to them either.” Grinning, he offers me his hand, which I shake. “It was a lot of fun having you here, and there are lots more stories you haven’t heard yet. So you’ll have to come back.”

I shake hands all around and kiss Astrid on the cheek. “See you tomorrow? I’ll have those signed contracts for Blake.”

Astrid nods. “Lunch?”

“Let me take a look at my schedule, and I’ll let you know when I drop off the contracts.”

Gunnar hugs everyone goodbye, and we head out to the car. By the time we’re on the highway, I’m feeling exhausted but happy with how well the evening went.

Gunnar takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I hope that wasn’t too painful. But that’s a typical Osouf dinner.”

“I loved it. Your family is wonderful. They made me feel so welcome. And now I have lots of stories and bits of information to help make our dating believable.” Though most of the details revolve around his family. “Gunnar?”

“Yeah?” He glances over at me.

“The party at Alistair’s is next Saturday. Do you think you might have time this week to get together again? I know my weeks get pretty busy, and I’m sure yours do too, but maybe we can meet for coffee or something? We probably should cover some things about me and get a few timeline points ironed out.”

“Coffee sounds nice. My nights are usually free. I normally just watch TV, play video games, or work on my own designs. So if you get some free time, text me, and I’ll meet you somewhere or pick you up.”

He pulls up to the drop off area in front of my building, and I turn to face him. “Did you want to come up for a bit?”

He smiles and squeezes my hand. “I’d love to. But we both have to get up early for work tomorrow, and I’ve had just enough wine to think our agreement to keep things above the waist is ridiculous. So it’s probably best if I go.”

“You’re okay to drive, though?” He doesn’t seem impaired, so maybe it’s an excuse not to come up.

His gaze drops to my lips and he sighs, dragging his eyes up to meet mine. “I’m fine. I promise.” He brings my fingertips to his lips and kisses them lightly, sending tiny sparks up my arm. “I’m trying to behave.”

I grin, disappointed but also relieved as I fight another yawn. “Okay. Maybe next time.” I lean over and place a chaste kiss against his lips. And then another. And sigh into his mouth as Gunnar grips the front of my shirt and pulls me farther onto his side of the car, all but devouring my mouth before ending the kiss and leaning his forehead against mine. “I love kissing you.”

His words make my heart skip a beat. “I love kissing you. Are you sure you don’t want to come upstairs? We could continue the kissing…”

Gunnar chuckles softly. “Unfortunately, I’m sure. But when we both decide it’s a good idea, you won’t be able to keep me out of your place. I promise.”

I kiss him one more time and reach for the door. “I had a lovely time tonight. Thank you.”

“I did too. And really, thankyou. Night, Joce.”

“Bonne nuit, Gunnar.”

12

Gunnar

Idropmycoatover my chair and set my messenger bag on the desk before heading to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. Tom is just putting the milk away and turns around when he hears footsteps. “Morning Gunnar. How was your weekend?”

I shrug, trying to mask the grin that wants to appear every time I think of Jocelin. “It was okay. How was yours?”

He eyes me skeptically. “Mine was fine. Nothing much happened. I mowed the lawn, Josie and I went out for dinner, the usual. But I can tell from the way your face is twisting into knots that your weekend was more than okay. So spill.”

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