Chapter 30
Just when I thought I’d taste his lips for the first time, I felt the warmth of his mouth press against my forehead. It was a kiss, but certainly not the one I was longing for.
As my eyes spread wide, he pulled away and grinned at me. “We should probably get cleaned up.”
“What?” I stared at him. “You can’t just say something like that to me and expect me not to kiss you.”
“It’s not just up to you.” He tugged me close but avoided my eager lips. “Zoe, you have to know I want nothing more than to kiss you, but the time isn’t right. Not yet. Go on, you can shower first.”
“What good is that going to do?” I laughed as I looked down at my clothes. I was a little frustrated by his refusal to kiss me and more frustrated that I couldn’t simply take what I wanted.
“I’ll find you something to put on.” He stroked my cheek before he headed into his bedroom.
As I waited, I took in the sight of the mess we’d created on the wall. It looked fantastic. Crackled silver swirls and sweeps that seemed to burst in some places and slim down to a thin line in others. When he returned with a t-shirt and some sweat pants I grimaced.
“Thanks.”
“I know it’s not your usual style.” He swept my hair back from my shoulder and brushed his lips along the curve of my neck. “But you’ll still look gorgeous.”
I rolled my eyes, but the caress of his lips swept away any smart remark I wanted to make.
After a thorough shower, I changed into his clothes. It felt a little strange, but also intimate. The t-shirt was a bit snug, but I didn’t mind.
He passed by me to take his shower and just his fingertips glided along the slope of my back. The sensation was beyond sensual. I’d never really experienced how a simple touch could do so much to me.
When he emerged from the shower, he grabbed his keys and wallet. “Okay, let’s go.”
“What? I’m not going out like this. My hair is a mess and these clothes—”
“Oh, we’re going.” He looped his arm through mine.
“Where?” I stared at him as he led me to the door.
“To breakfast.”
“Breakfast? But it’s not even five yet. What’s going to be open?”
“We’ll have to find somewhere.” He shrugged.
“Why? I’m not even hungry.”
“Too bad, I want to take you out on a date.” He closed the door behind us and locked it. Then he looked into my eyes. “Are you going to turn me down?”
“No.” I grinned. “I know just the place.”
After a few quick texts, I got the approval from Alex to use my key for Common Grounds. I knew she wouldn’t be there to open up for at least another hour. We would have the place to ourselves.
I gave Trent directions as he drove, and he tuned the radio to a salsa station. We laughed and teased each other about our attempts at dancing until we reached the cafe.
I let us in. Instead of turning the lights on, which might draw customers, I lit a candle on one of the tables, then I got a pot of coffee going.
“This isn’t exactly a date.” He grinned.
“It’s at a cafe, there’s a candle, and we’re both here. It’s a date.” I winked at him as I pointed to the pastry display. “You get to pick out breakfast.”
“Alright.” He selected two danishes for us and carried them to the table. “Are you sure your friend won’t mind?”
“I’m sure.”
Once I’d poured the coffee and we settled at the table, he put some music on his phone and set it between us.
“Just to be clear, this is our first official date.” He took my hand and looked into my eyes. “And I hope there will be many more.”
“Me too.” I smiled as I held his gaze.
After we finished our food, I started to clean up the mess, but he caught me by the hand and pulled me to my feet instead.
“Will you dance with me?”
“Of course.” I savored the sensation of his arms around me and rested my head against his chest. As we swayed together, I wondered how I ever thought I could risk not experiencing something so incredible.
“Zoe.” He whispered my name, just beside my ear. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I can’t stop thinking about you—the shape of your body, the way your eyes glow with determination, the silk of your skin. But it’s more than that. It’s your passion, it’s this light that you exude. I see it when you are talking about helping your clients. You make such a difference in their lives. It’s a beautiful gift and you give it so freely. That’s your true beauty.”
“Trent, you’re making me blush.” I pulled him closer as his words washed away every insecurity that had risen to the surface.
“It’s all true. You’re so confident and strong. You’re a true warrior princess.”
I grinned at the reference to Samantha’s character and the book that I knew we’d both read and appreciated. My eyes met his again as he continued to speak softly.
“I’m so proud to be a part of what you do, to be involved in Zoe’s World. For the first time, I feel as if I’m part of something worthwhile, something that is bigger than me.” He nuzzled his lips along the slope of my neck.
“You’ve given me that passion. You’ve inspired it in me and I couldn’t be more grateful. You fascinate me, Zoe—every little thing about you.”
I felt his body relax and his movements become soft and sensual.
I tipped my head up to look into his eyes, and in that moment he touched his lips to mine.
The kiss started out delicately, as if he wanted each moment of it to be as prolonged as it could be. Then passion took over and it deepened quickly.
I was unaware of the music or the flickering of the candle or of the dawn breaking outside the tall windows. All I knew was the racing of my heartbeat and the way his lips felt against mine—finally. My knees threatened to buckle as electricity bolted and billowed through me. It was far more than I could have ever imagined.
“Uh, excuse me.” Alex cleared her throat.
Trent released me so fast that I almost stumbled. He caught me by the elbow as he turned to look at Alex.
I’d never seen him so red.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Alex grinned. “But I’ve got work to do.”
“It’s alright, we were on our way out.” I laced my hand through Trent’s. “Thanks, Alex.”
“No problem. I’ll take care of the table.” She winked at me.
As Trent led me back out to the car, his hand was tight around mine and I wondered why he was so tense.
“So, what’s the verdict?” He looked at me as he held the passenger door open. “Do I get a second date?”
Instead of answering him, I drew him in for another tantalizing kiss.
When we finally stepped away from one another, I grinned. “If I have my way, I’ll have a calendar full of dates with you.”
He grinned back at me as he started the car. “Well then, let’s move right on to date number two. Your place?”
I laughed and nodded, feeling something I’d never felt before as his hand clasped around mine as he drove.
I didn’t plan on ever letting him go.