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He took a bite just for her, but all he wanted was to hear her voice.
“I had to find you,” she said finally.
His heart surged with hope. “Gen, I’m so sorry. I just—”
“I moved to Montana,” she spit out.
“Montana?” He pretended not to know what she was talking about and took a bite instead.
“Remember that horse rescue I told you about? They had an opening, and they offered me the job.”
His heart soared for her. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” He swallowed a chunk of ice cream and pecan, feeling her eyes on him.
She wasn’t saying anything, so he looked over at her. She’d seemed so lighthearted since she arrived, that he didn’t expect to see tears streaming down her face.
“Gen, don’t cry.” He set the cup down and put his arm around her, wiping a tear from her cheek.
She looked over at him. “I know it was because of you. I know it was your letter of recommendation that got me the job.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “I hoped it would help. It’s the perfect job for you. I know how much you wanted it.”
She wiped at her face, moving her head away from his. “My mom told me you apologized to her.”
He nodded. “I didn’t deserve her forgiveness or her kindness.”
“Look, I know why you did it. Skylar told me about Serena.”
“Yeah, she said she told you.”
“I’ve thought a lot about it, and I’ll never know what it’s like to have someone only care about me for my money, but I tried to put myself in your shoes. To see it all from your perspective. I know you wanted to make sure I wasn’t after your money, and for once in your life, you didn’t want a woman to have any preconceived notions about you before you dated her.”
“Yes.”
“I understand. I do. But it still hurts, Sebastian.”
He closed his eyes and sighed. “Say it again.”
“It still hurts,” she repeated.
His eyes opened, and he looked deep into hers. “My name.”
Her lips curved into a little smile. “Sebastian,” she whispered.
His hand moved up to cup her cheek, and without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. He was scared she’d pull away at first, but she did the opposite. She rested her hand on his chest and sank into the kiss.
He slid his fingers into the hair at the base of her neck and pulled her toward him, needing to be closer. Her lips were so soft against his as they kissed for long minutes, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating together. It felt so good, he was afraid he would suddenly awaken from a dream. But she was real. He could see her, feel her, taste her. She was right there with him, her hand sliding up into his hair, pressing her body closer as she moved her lips against his.
It was arguably the best kiss of his life.
Until he felt something cold in his lap and yanked his mouth away to discover her cup had tipped and was now pouring melted Peanut Pirate Sundae into his lap.
She giggled as he grabbed the cup and tossed it in the sand, swiping the sticky ice cream away. “Sorry.” Her giggles turned to laughter, and it was the best sound he’d ever heard.
“What am I gonna do with you?” He shook his head and stood.
She joined him, and he suddenly grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up over his shoulder.
She let out a loud whoop. “What are you doing?”