Page 48 of Let Me Love You

But again, this isn’t fair to Victor, who has his whole heart to give.

My eyes flicker to his mouth, and I can’t help but study it. His lips beckon me. Perhaps I can give us this one chance. Not to get him out of my system, like I said before, but maybe to show him I do care, just not in the way he wants.

He nods once as if he’s reading my mind. “Kiss me.”

I don’t hesitate. Closing the last of the gap, I move my hands to wrap around his neck, pressing my mouth to his. One of his arms goes around my waist, fully pulling me over the armrest and onto his lap. My lips part on a sigh as his hands tighten around me. His tongue darts out, taking advantage of the opportunity, and clashes with mine. We spar, fighting for dominance like we always do.

We burn together as if a spark finally ignited on dry kindling.

His soft hands roam up my back, exploring my curves like he’s trying to map out every imperfection to keep it for after we’re done. For after the contract inevitably ends. They don’t stop until they reach my hair, tangling in my wild curls.

I love it.

I hate it.

I hate that I love it.

A knock on the back window yanks us apart as if we’re teenagers parking and got caught by the cops. The windows are already a little foggy, and my cheeks heat, clawing down my neck.

“We should go,” I say, climbing off him and going back to my seat.

Victor grabs my hand and brushes his lips on top. “I’ll go out first so you can fix your hair.”

My hands instinctively go to my locks, and I run my fingers through the tangles the best I can without taking too much time. I climb out, my heart still beating so fast it’s about to run a marathon.

I’m not sure if Harmony or Elias knocked on the window, but whoever it was had to have seen something. She eyes me before slipping her arm in mine while her free hand holds onto Elias’s.

Victor trails behind us, and my heart leaps when he twines his fingers with mine. Just like how my sister and her boyfriend are. It’s nothing. Simply holding hands while we’re in public. Yet, after his confession, and kissing, it feels like more.

Stop trying to read into things.

Frank’s restaurant is alive with chatter when we enter. The hanging lights are dimmed, and candles are lit on the surrounding surfaces, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Harmony releases me as we maneuver around the tables.

Victor’s grip tightens for a moment, and when I look over at him, he gives me a reassuring smile. Heat fills my chest and climbs up my neck, not stopping until I’m certain my cheeks are pink. Can everyone sense I just kissed my temporary husband? I swear I have a sign on my forehead that says, “I kissed Victor Barlowe, and I loved it!”

The hostess guides us farther into the restaurant, past every packed table. There’s not a lot to do in Granite Falls, so this restaurant is usually the hub on the weekends. If I was still working, this would never happen. Any free moment I had, I spent with Summer, but now we have all the time we want together.

Everyone’s eyes turn to us as we sit at a table, and it becomes silent. I adjust in my seat. Last time I was this scrutinized in town was when I lost Paul, but back then they offered me sympathy. Now I can’t help but think they’re looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. But why?

After Victor excuses himself to go to the restroom, Harmony leans forward and says, “Why does it feel like everyone is watching us?”

“I think they are,” Elias says as if it doesn’t bother him. “There must not be much to gossip about right now.”

If only they knew we weren’t a real couple. They’d definitely be gossiping.

“People need to mind their own business,” Harmony says, glancing around at our neighbors who don’t try to hide their interest. “I’ve caught a few people talking about you two at Cutesy’s. It’s as if they want me to hear so I tell you.”

“Are you—”

I cut my words off when I catch sight of Victor’s blond hair and blue eyes over the tops of everyone’s heads. It’s only been a few minutes since he went to the bathroom, but my reaction is visceral, and my mouth turns dry. I was so totally wrong thinking if we gave in, I’d get it out of my system.

When our eyes clash, a small smile tips up the corners of his lips, and my stomach turns to goo. Harmony peers over her shoulder before turning back to me.

Her eyes widen. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

My eyes stay on my husband. “Shhhh.”

Am I a teenager again? My sister is teasing me about a boy, and I shushed her. What next? Spin the bottle? No, screw that game. There’s sadly only one man I want to kiss, and he’s prowling toward me like he’ll order me for his meal.