Page 67

“Then why not let me buy it earlier?”

“What difference does it make?” he casually counters.

I shake my head at his sweet gesture. “Thank you.”

Taking my bag with all the gifts, he intertwines our fingers and we walk down the cobblestone path lit with lamps. The lobby of his resort is beautifully decorated and a Christmas tree sits in the corner. I didn’t notice in the morning because I was too busy checking him out.

Outside, an e-taxi is waiting for us and I can’t contain the butterflies at his thoughtfulness. I’m wearing heels tonight underneath my slim maroon dress with a high neckline and a slit in the middle to show my cleavage.

With a hand on the small of my back, Kingston helps me slide into the back seat. He shuffles in next to me and tugs until I’m pressed against his side.

“I don’t like distance between us,” he murmurs possessively as an explanation.

I rest my head against his shoulder. “I don’t mind, King.”

His soft exhale ruffles my hair. He seems relieved to hear my answer. Was he worried I wouldn’t like it? His physical affection is one of the qualities I lov—

Shit.

I meant like.

One of the qualities Ilikeabout him.

Only a single day, not even a full twenty-four hours, and I’m unhealthily attached to him. It’s not just moving fast, it’s bullet train fast.

Desperate for a distraction, I ask him the first thing that comes to mind. “Tell me about your parents. Are you close with them?”

In retrospect, I should’ve gone with a less personal question.

He makes my brain turn to mush.

I twist sideways as I listen to his answer.

“I am close with them.” He starts, cupping my thigh and rubbing it back and forth absentmindedly. “They’re the bestparents I could’ve asked for. They’re not perfect, and there are times we clash on a few things, but in spite of it, I know they’ll support all my decisions even if they don’t agree. Though, I make sure I don’t disappoint them, you know. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for all the little sacrifices they made while I was growing up.”

There’s a smile in his voice as he talks about his family, confirming my belief that he’s super close to them. His words are painted with nothing but love.

“They sound lovely, Kingston.” I ignore the pang in my chest, wishing I could say the same about my parents. I’ll never get over how easily they forgot about my existence. “They’ve raised you well and I know they must be so proud of you.”

“If they were here, I would’ve taken you to meet them,” he says, raising my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to it. “They would’ve loved you. My dad has a sweet tooth and would’ve been your fan after eating your desserts. While my mom would’ve adored you for making me work for a date with you.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing?” I tease. “Making you chase me?”

“Aren’t you?”

I sway closer to him, my body on a track of its own. “Yeah, but for only, like, a couple hours before I said yes.”

In the darkness of the cab, his pupils are intense pools of desire and yearning. “You’ve only allowed me a part of you. I wantallof you, Twinkle.”

“Kingston,” I whisper, swallowing down the bubbling panic.

“Shh…” He presses one fingertip against my lips. “I know you aren’t ready. I also know something is holding you back. It’s not something I can command you to forget or overcome. I can only hope, give my all and earn your trust to think I’m worth it. Because to me, you’re worth every obstacle.”

***

My mind is stuck replaying Kingston’s confession as I cross the threshold of his grandparents’ home, and I’m immediately engulfed into a hug by his grandma.

“Don’t you both look lovely together?” gushes Nana with a sneaky grin that betrays her intentions. She’s not hiding the fact that she wants us to date.