Page 93 of After We Fall

“You saved your friend.”

In response, he lifts his chin.

“You run a company that secures people’s property, their livelihood.”

Another chin lift.

“And you take trips with Robert to help underprivileged kids around the world.”

This time, nothing.

“You appear quite heroic to me right now, Luke Granger.” I push up on my elbow again and lean closer. I can see the flecks of yellow in his green eyes. “You didn’t belong in that trailer park. The same way I didn’t belong with the Nelsons,” I whisper.

His jaw muscles twitch, and he gives me another chin lift.

I touch his cheek with my hand. “Don’t you ever say again that I traded down to date you. Because you’re the best man I know.”

He stares at my lips, then says in a cocky voice, “When you were under the influence of heavy meds at the hospital, you told me I was pretty. Do you still think so?”

I give a slight roll of my eyes and start to pull back, but Luke places his hand over mine and holds it to his cheek.

“If I found out that was all an act, my self-esteem would take a significant hit,” he says.

I let loose laughter that results in a snort. Appalled, I’m unable to stop the giggles.

“I would pay a hundred bucks for you to laugh so hard you snort again,” Luke says with a grin. “But you’re just using it as a distraction. Answer the question.”

“First, for the record, I’ve never snorted in my life. Second, I will admit it. That night I thought you were pretty.”

“That night? Not now?”

“You’re still pretty now.”

My problem isn’t that Luke is pretty.

My problem is that his soul is pretty. And that’s a completely different kind of confession.

“And have you gotten over how annoying I am?”

“That might be impossible.” I grin. “Why?”

His eyes flash. He leans in, his lips a whisper away from mine. “Because I’m wondering, now that we have a few dates under our belts, if you still want”—he glances at my lips—“to finally kiss me.”

Electric currents pass between us, and I brace as my breathing increases.

“I think . . .” I smile and move just a hint closer. I can feel his breath on my lips, and suddenly I’m bashful, nervous, and I look down.

Luke uses his knuckles to press under my chin and shift my eyes to his. “You think what, baby?”

One swallow to wrestle the butterflies in my stomach and I say quietly, “I think it might make you less annoying if you kissed me.”

Luke’s chuckle rumbles as he pulls my face to his and kisses me.

The first one soft. The second one sweet. The third one a little longer, with a little more promise.

“And?” he whispers against my lips.

I run my hand down his cheek and leave it resting gently against the side of his neck. “You definitely have a less annoying side.”