Page 25 of Sweet Virgin

“What did I have to stop me?” Falling back onto flat feet, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Her lips thinned as she smiled, tucking her chin into her chest.

We stood quietly, not saying a word. I wanted to scoop her in my arms and hug her, letting her bury her face into my neck. I wanted to smell her perfume, feel her skin on my face and her lips on mine.

Allie twisted her toe into the floor, her fingers running long lines down the strap of her bag. “So, what now?”

“Well, I still owe you dinner.” Grabbing her hand, I twined my fingers around hers and led us away. “And this time, it won't be interrupted by salt water.”

Giggling, I felt her fingers tighten in mine. “I didn't mind that, not one bit.”

What she didn't realize was that this was just the beginning. I was a man who took the world and made it mine, I could give her more than she could ever realize.

Now it was time to show her. There wouldn't be anymore room for her to worry or hide from her past.

I was going to help her move forward.

She was about to create new memories.

Memories that would stick with her forever.