Page 44 of The Last Kiss

“Cheese.”

He laughs, hands sliding down my arms and he leans in to kiss me once on one cheek before slowly kissing the other, minty breath gently brushing my face, cooling the tip of my nose. “I am so pleased to see you again. I didn’t think I would.”

“Me neither,” I sigh, but in my heart, I don’t know if this is the truth. I can’t stop my smile. It’s addictive, like a rainbow from behind rain clouds.

“Dinner?”

“Only dinner?” I confirm.

He shrugs. “If that’s what you wish, ma petite Juliette.”

11

Moonlight

“Close your eyes.”

I don’t want to.

If I close my eyes then I won’t be able to see his face, and I’m currently filling the spank bank.

My mystery man has removed his suit jacket, loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. His olive skin is illuminated by candlelight as he leans on his elbows and watches me with bright eyes from across the table.

I want to fuck him on the table. Let there be no mistake about that.

Sadly, we are in a little bistro and I think it would be frowned upon.

I’d suggested the Wetherspoon’s pub in the station, to which he’d looked at me with such horror I’m surprised he didn’t run for the Eurostar right there and then.

He sighs while I continue to stare at his face. “Sorry,” I mutter and then dutifully close my eyes before swiftly cracking one back open to make sure he doesn’t run away. He arches an eyebrow and I drop my shoulders and close my eyes properly, trying to relax into the moment.

“Now, wet your lips and lick them. Just a little taste.”

I lift the wine glass hoping not to drop it across my lap, or totally miss my mouth. There’s a low chuckle and then his warm hand cups mine, thumb brushing my knuckles. “Here.” He guides the glass to my mouth. “No cheating.”

I taste the wine on my lips, giving a little lick as prompted.

“Now take a longer sip and hold it in your mouth.”

I do as he asks, my body feeling warm, intimate, despite the public setting.

“What can you taste?”

I think, not wanting to rush my answer and then swallow. “Tobacco, berries.” I lick my lips. “Earth?” I open my eyes. Earth… Seriously, is that the best I can come up with?

He laughs, his eyes dancing.

“I amuse you.” I sit up a little straighter.

“Only in all the very best ways.”

“Thank you for the book.” I dive off the highest springboard into the pool of awkward conversation, because I don’t think I can sit here and pretend that we didn’t do what we did. We did do it, in a very ground-breaking, earth-shattering way.

He grins, and I think I might be in love with that dimple. It’s so cute in someone so suave and smooth. Ducking his head down, he loops his fingers around the stem of his wine glass. “You didn’t give me a chance to say thank you. I felt unchivalrous.”

“And you like to be chivalrous?” I arch an eyebrow.

“I try.”