“Hah, our meeting proves I’m not.”
“Hmmm.”
“You look exhausted.”
“I am.”
“So why not rest up?”
“Because this was the only place I really wanted to be.” She went silent. “Kansas.”
“I’m here.” Her voice held a note he didn’t recognize or like.
He opened his eyes, sat up, and turned to glance through the doorframe that separated them. “Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?” She wrinkled her brow, and set the round, glass vase on the counter.
“Pull away before we can move forward.”
“How far did you expect us to be this early on?”
“Let’s cut the bull. You know exactly what I mean.”
He pushed himself to his feet and walked into the kitchen. Leaning against the granite counter across from her, he waited for her to face him and respond. She looked up. Her eyes swam with pain and unshed tears.
“Growing up I saw a lot of dysfunction. I started to believe that love was a thing to be feared.”
“Why?”
“Because it can be used like a weapon and cut you deeper than any blade forged by a man’s hand. The scars linger, twist you, take away your ability to be indi
fferent and practice self preservation. I never wanted to get too deep with anyone. You challenge that. It’s been a hell of an adjustment.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“‘Hi, I’m Kansas, and I’m an emotional wreck’ didn’t seem like the best introduction.” She gave a self-deprecating laugh. “My mother’s spent my entire life and probably before stringing my dad along, critiquing and tearing us down every chance she got, and he allows it because he’s weak and she’s got him wrapped around her finger. I figured if that was love I didn’t want anything to do with it.”
“That’s not true love.” Jett scowled.
“I know that logically, but there was always this nagging fear that the same flaw was predetermined by genetics.”
“You would never let yourself be put in that position.” He stepped over and grasped her slender arms with his hands, careful to be gentle. “Kansas, you’re strong willed, and no one can make you do something unless you want to.”
“You did.” Her lower lip trembled.
“When? If I ever made you feel uncomfortable—”
Her lips crashed into his, and he reacted. Hungry for her touch he gripped her hips lifted her up onto the counter. He tilted his head, deepening their tongue fuck as he drank down the taste of her. She was honeyed warmth, comfort, and sweet … like peppermint? They came up for air, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
“You made me care, you son of a bitch, and now that I’ve released the Kraken there’s no turning back or out running on him.”
“Did you just compare me to a giant squid?”
“Technically it’s an octopus, and not you, my feelings.”
“Hell, Sas, I’m just glad this thing isn’t one-sided. You’ve gotten under my skin, entered my bloodstream, and become an integral part of my life. I don’t feel right if I haven’t talked or at least texted you at some point throughout the day. It’s insane. I never knew I could feel like this.”
“Yeah, that’s two of us,” she whispered.