Page 6

Swaying in the dark with Arkin was perfection.

In his arms, I felt the world disappear and I was actually happy.

Happiness was something that hadn’t come into my life very often, but here I was, surrounded by strong arms, and it felt good.

It was right. His hands found my hair and his fingers gently brushed through it, causing my body and soul to surge with delight. I wanted him to touch me everywhere.

“You are so beautiful,” he muttered into my hair.

I placed my head on his shoulder and breathed him in.

I loved his scent, a mixture of work and soap.

It was intoxicating, and I couldn’t get enough.

“I am going to kiss you, Daphne. If you don’t want me to, I need you to say it now.

” His words felt hot against my skin, and in that moment more than anything, I wanted to feel the sensation of his lips against my own.

“I think I want you to, Arkin.” My words came out as nothing more than a whisper dancing in the air around us.

He took my head into his hands, his touch featherlight.

He looked into my eyes, holding my gaze and locking it on to his.

I could see the passion lurking there, the desperation to keep the darkness at bay for me.

He wanted to be gentle for me. “I am not going to kiss you until your response is more than ‘I think I want you to.’” His thumb grazed my bottom lip, making me inhale a breath.

The man was good, I had to give him that.

He made me go from not wanting anything to do with him, to wanting to have his gaze linger on my lips.

“I want you to kiss me. Arkin, kiss me…” My words were firm and definite.

It was all he needed. He pressed his lips to mine, slow and gentle.

At first it was a featherlight kiss, so light that I could almost think I’d imagined it.

Then he pulled me to him with one hand on my waist while the other held my head tight, almost afraid I would move and in a flash be lost to him.

His kiss became ignited by some sort of hidden fire.

It was as if he had put every fiber of himself in this very moment.

He opened his lips as I opened mine, and the mingling of our tongues was a symphony of need, desire, passion, and most of all hope.

Hope that two lost souls could find something true and pure.

His tongue mingled with mine, creating a need that I didn’t know I could find.

This man was special, and I was feeling blessed that at that moment, he was here in the moonlight dancing with me in his arms. When the kiss ended, I opened my eyes, only to watch as his were still closed.

He inhaled and a smile formed on his lips, making the crow’s feet by his eyes crinkle and dance.

That smile made me feel like I was floating.

The fact that he was relishing a simple kiss made me ache for how lonely he must be.

“That was like tasting a slice of heaven,” he finally whispered as he opened his eyes.

“Well, I’m glad you approved. I’ve been very out of practice,” I whispered.

“So my next question is, when can I do it again?” he asked.

“This”—he gestured between us with his hand—“is something special. When can I see you again?” he asked, lacing his fingers with mine.

“Want to come over for dinner Friday? I’m a pretty decent cook.

” My words shocked me at how brazen they were.

“You sure?” he asked. “More than sure,” I said, smiling up at him.

“It’s a date,” he whispered to my temple before he kissed me softly.

I didn’t think I had ever been as nervous as I was Friday night.

I had been in the kitchen right after work starting dinner, like a real Stepford wife, hair and makeup on point and a white frilly apron tied around my waist. I hadn’t really cooked for anyone since my mother died, ten years ago.

The whole act felt bittersweet. Cooking was something I had always done when I wanted to show someone they meant something to me.

It made me feel good to take care of those I cared about, and I found myself caring about Arkin.

I’d tried hard not to, but the more I got to know him, the more I found myself drawn to him.

When the front door buzzer went off, my heart leapt in my chest. I ripped the apron off me, threw it on the counter, and ran to the intercom.

“Hello,” I said. My voice sounded shaky, and I found myself suddenly nervous.

“Hey, it's me.” His voice was much deeper on the speaker, and it sent vibrations through my body.

“Come on up,” I said excitedly. I stood at the door like a child on Christmas morning, waiting, counting down the moments until I saw Arkin again.

Forgetting my need to look calm and collected, I flung the door open before he could finish knocking.

“Well, hello there, beautiful,” he said as he leaned in to kiss my cheek.

He had another bouquet of flowers, this time bright white daisies with a creamy yellow center, and a box that looked like it came from a bakery.

“Hi,” I said as I blushed. “What is that?” I pointed to the box.

“Only the best pastries in town,” he said with a smile, a hint of flirtation in his voice.

“I really like sweet things.” A shiver of anticipation sliced through me.