people’s secrets. He could have declined the invitation and said he was going to spend the time on his own to write, but the idea of being at a family gathering in her comfortable home was far more appealing than heating up a frozen pizza.
“Thank you,” he said. “If you’re sure it’s not an imposition, I’d love to be there.” Just as he said it, the light turned green, and he made the turn onto Bay Avenue, fully aware their evening was close to being over, and wishing he could make it go on forever.
“You’re not going to argue with me?” She chuckled. “Not even a little?”
“Nah. No point. Resistance is futile where you’re concerned.” That was the truth. Dan was such a goner.
“I’m glad you finally understand.”
He understood it long before then. It was probably one of the reasons he didn’t come home, why he didn’t call, why he didn’t make any attempt to see her. Dan knew that Jane was his siren song. He couldn’t defy the pull she had on him. Tonight was proof.
The outside lights turned on when he pulled in to the driveway, illuminating the familiar scene. The home she’d created was imbued with her kindheartedness and goodness.
“There’s the welcoming committee.” Chloe was smiling at the car from the big window, her tail swishing behind her.
Jane leaned over to take a look. “She’s not barking. I guess she’s used to you already.”
If only. He wanted to be part of her life, her family, more than he ever thought possible.
“I had fun. Thanks for putting up with me,” he said, wishing he had come up with something else.
“Putting up with you? Are you kidding?”
“Hey, I can be a pain in the ass.”
“I’m aware.” Jane didn’t wait for him this time, opening her door and climbing out of the car. He did the same and met her as she rounded the hood.
They stood close, and Jane surprised him, stepping into his space, closing any distance between them. Heat surged through him, a reaction to the swirling emotions he felt just being near her. Their hands brushed, fingers lacing together as they stood without a breath of space between them.
He examined her face, still as beautiful as when she was a girl, but now her eyes possessed a wisdom and a calm Dan desperately needed.
“I wish you could see yourself as I see you,” she said. “You’re such a good man. I know you have all these ingrained ideas about who you are, but you need to let those go.”
With a shake of his head, he dropped his forehead to hers. “I should have done better, with everything. Everyone. I—”
He was surprised by the soft pressure of her mouth. A gentle touch that shocked him into awareness.
“Shush,” she said. “Stop. I won’t have you talking badly about my friend.”
“He’s lucky to have you—you know that right?”
“I’m lucky to have him too. I’ve missed him.” Jane’s eyes glittered with unshed tears and Dan lost his whole heart. This time, when she kissed him, everything spun and crashed; the only thing he was aware of was the lush feel of her lips on his. The gentle sips and sweet taste, like vanilla and whipped cream, surrounded him. He reached up and cupped her face in his hands, angling her mouth so he could go a little deeper, get a little closer. There was no way he wanted to stop.
He didn’t know how long they kissed before they were snapped out of the trance by Chloe’s plaintive bark. The awareness of the woman pressed into him, of his response to her, swamped him. The rush of emotions had his brain, his heart, and his soul screaming at him not to be an idiot this time. God knew, he had the potential.
“I think she’s jealous,” she joked.
“I love your dog, but I don’t want to kiss her.”
“Good to know.” She stepped back and he was aware of her absence immediately. He missed the feel of her body, of her mouth. Dan realized he’d been craving that kiss for a very long time.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked, hopeful enthusiasm dancing in her eyes.
“Bright and early.” After tonight, he didn’t know how he would stay away.
Chapter Ten
Ten people. She should be able to seat ten people at the table without overthinking. Yet here she was, turning the task into a major project. It wasn’t brain surgery.
From the amount of mental drama they were causing her, the cards in her hand could have weighed