Chapter16
“We can have a celebratory dance before I leave,” I offered, my voice low and Inviting. For a fleeting instant, something sparkled in her eyes, a hint of mischtel or perhaps longing, before she smiled up at me, her gaze glassy from the booze.
As she stood up, she swaped unsteadily on her feet, ber eyes gleaming with haze
Ton the other hand, was drink with emotions, my heart overflowing with the bittersweet memories of our past. The alcohol had merely unlocked the Bloodgates, allowing the long–dammed feelings to surge forth.
I reached out instinctively to stealy her, my hand brushing against hers as I grasped her elbow. The touch sent a spark of electricity through me, and I felt a rush of concem for her well–being
As Rose’s stumbling steps faltered, she collapsed into my arms, her body surrendering to gravity. I caught her effortlessly, my hands wrapping around ber waist to hold her steady. The sudden proximity sent my senses reeling, my heart racing with excitement.
Every inch of mine came alive, electrified by the warmth of her skin, the softness of her curves, and the sweet scent of her perfume. I felt like I’d been waiting for an eterity for this moment, wondering what it would be like to touch her, to hold her close. Now, with her nestled in my arms, I couldn’t help but regret not doing this sooner.
The night deepened along with my rising desires. The music from downstairs had long since faded away, leaving only the sound of our ragged breathing As the slow music played downstairs, our bodies moved together perfectly. We swayed to the rhythm like two people in sync. I wanted to hold her close, but I didn’t. Instead, we kept dancing, our steps slow and smooth.
It felt like we were gliding across the floor together. The world around as faded away, leaving just the music, the moment, and the connection between us. “Keith, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to kiss you,” Rose murmurs, over the gentle hum of the candles. She gazes up at me through her lashes, her captivating hazel eyes locking onto mine with a vulnerability that makes my heart skip a beat.
The soft light dancing across her face highlights the gentle curve of her cheeks, the delicate shape of her nose, and the plump, inviting shape of her lips. I feel my pulse quicken as I search her eyes, looking for a glimmer of uncertainty, but all I see is a deep longing that mirrors my own
But when I don’t respond, don’t give in to the temptation to lean in and claim her lips, she hesitates, pulling her head back slightly, doubt creeping into her expression like a shadow. “Do you have a girlfriend or wife, Keith?” she asks abruptly, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment, as if she’s preparing herself for rejection
Something inside me stirs tangled with guilty desire. I remember my fiancée, the life we’re supposed to build together, the promises I’ve made and the expectations that come with them. I know it’s time to leme, to walk away from this moment and the temptation that Rose represents
But as I stand:
dup, the wine, lust, and long–lost desires take over, clouding my judgment and fueling my needs. I’m consumed by the urge to let go, to have Rose, to taste her lips, to feel her skin against mine. I was aching.
I’m throbbing with need, my heart racing with anticipation, as I gaze at her, drinking in the sight of her. I’m losing my sanity, my grip on reality blurred at best, as I stand there, frozen in indecision, torn between the one I love and the one I want.
“No,” I reply, the word slipping out smoothly, that technically isn’t a lie. I don’t have a girlfriend or wife, only a fiancée
Rose’s eyes sparkle with uncertainty as she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, “Then would you lass me if I asked you to?”
I should shout “NO,” I should walk away, but my voice is trapped in my throat. The maddening need coursing through my veins is fogging my mind, triggered by the alcohol and the fantasy I’ve harbored for so long. However, I was still conflicted between the reality waiting for me out of that door and the dream waiting right beside me.
One kiss, I rationalize. One closure kiss, and we’ll part ways forever and probably never come across again.
With newfound courage, I cup the back of her neck, my fingers tracing the gentle curve of her skin. I pulled her closer without hesitation, my heart racing with anticipation, she closed her eyes.
My lips claim hers, and she gasps, her arms wrapping around my neck. 5 She arches into me, her body melting into mine, as I deepen the kiss. Fireworks erupt inside me, every nerve screaming to pull her closer. I’m lost in the intensity, my senses consumed by the taste, feel, and scent of her.
- 16.
