Retribution

Chapter 10 - Kiss Me

Thankfully, the rest of the evening went without a hitch. I managed to calm myself down by repeating Dr Strawson's words over and over.

Not everyone has an ulterior motive. You can't judge everyone else based on your bad experience with one person.

After watching two comedies, my suggestion to help lighten my mood, it was well past midnight and I was struggling to stay awake.

"I'll let you get some sleep," Jake said, smiling. "I noticed you were struggling before the film even finished."

My cheeks went bright red as I smiled back. "Sorry. I've been having a lot of early nights lately."

The reality being that after no longer having to run around after a grown-up baby, an actual child, hold a job down, and keep the house spotless, I was still fully enjoying having more than three or four hours sleep a night.

"Nothing wrong with that," he said, walking towards the front door. "I hate leaving my bed."

A burning tingle shot straight from my heart and headed south. The mention of Jake and bed in the same sentence woke elements I'd thought had become extinct. Needing to focus my thoughts elsewhere, I started fiddling with my nails which had now grown more than a couple of millimetres without being chewed off.

Jake opened the door, allowing a fresh spring breeze to sweep through the house and cover me in chills.

"I've had a fantastic time," he said, taking a hold of one of my hands. "That was one of the best curries I think I've ever had, too."

I cringed, desperately wishing his words were true. How this man was still here I would never know. I'd behaved horribly last night and pathetically tonight. Just what did he see in me?

Not knowing what to say, I simply smiled, which if anything, made me feel even more awkward.

"Can I call you in the morning? Maybe see you again before Harvey comes back?"

My heart leapt a thousand feet. "Yes, of course."

"Goodnight," he said, leaning down towards me.

Presuming after earlier he'd kiss me on the lips again, I made an utter fool of myself by aiming to kiss him back because this time he tried to kiss my cheek. We ended up bumping heads and missing each other completely. I burned to a thousand degrees instantly, mortified with myself.

"I'm so sorry," I said, backing away. "I thought...." I shook my head, pressing my hands to my face.

He chuckled and took both of my hands in his, leaving my bright red face completely exposed. "It's fine. I know I shocked you earlier when I kissed you on the lips. After how much I upset you, I didn't want to push my luck again and scare you away."

Scare me away? Was he being serious?

"I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have been such a drama queen. It's something I'm working on—not making mountains out of molehills."

"Louisa, stop apologising. You have no need to. If anything, it should be me for being so insensitive."

Very nearly apologising again, I nodded. "Old habits die hard, I guess."

"I know." He squeezed one of my hands and gave me such a warm smile, I nearly melted on the spot. "I'm going to go now. Are you happy if I give you some marshmallows to dream about tonight?"

Struggling to contain my beaming smile, I nodded.

He cupped my face in both of his hands, making me even hotter as the heat couldn't leave my skin. Stepping forwards, he bent down and touched his lips to mine. As if someone had flicked a switch, I was lost in my happy marshmallow clouds in an instant.

I reached forwards and settled a hand on his waist, almost gasping when I felt the taut skin beneath his t-shirt. Determined to erase my self-loathing thoughts, I kissed him back. A warm fuzz crept through my body, making me feel like I'd had one too many drinks. If it was possible to become drunk from kissing someone, I'd be permanently inebriated on Jake.

Our kiss lasted several seconds, leaving me wondering if he wanted a proper kiss, or just this peck on the lips. Not wanting this to end, I dared to make a bold move—and opened my mouth. He responded straight away, drawing me into his warm embrace as he stroked his tongue against mine.

The sensations were just divine. I knew this was what heaven felt like. I'd never had this with Adam—not even when we first met. Tasting him for the first time, even with the spices from his tea, was a taste I wanted to savour. A hint of strawberry, from the cheesecake I had in the fridge, the tang from his curry, and the coolness of the water he'd swallowed before he stood to leave, it was all an intoxicating mix of aphrodisiacs.

We pulled apart after a couple of minutes, me breathless, and Jake smiling, contentment oozing from his sapphire eyes.

"I'll speak to you soon."

I nodded and watched him walk out to his car. The crisp night air rustled the various bushes and shrubbery in my garden and also blew his top tight against his chest, showing off the taut muscles hiding beneath. I bit my lip. How lucky was I?

Just as his taillights disappeared into the darkness, a fox darted out from the privet hedge lining the far edge of my garden. The moonlight caught the wild, hungry stare in his amber eyes, making me shiver. Time for bed and marshmallows.