Something warm flickers in Stone’s eyes, and he nods. “I’m sure I’ll hear you.”
Damn it. If he’s going to kiss me, do it already.
But the more time without a move, the less likely it’s going to happen.
And I know I’m not going to press the issue. “Well then, hope you get a good night’s sleep.”
“You too. Good night.”
Stone turns, and I grimace at the absolute failure of my expectations just now. But he spins back around, and I quickly wipe the look off my face, eyes wide and eyebrows lifted in faux curiosity.
Here it comes. My heart pounds.
“You’re coming out with me after the game tomorrow, right?”
He knows I am. Is he asking because he doesn’t want to walk away?
“I’ll be there,” I assure him. “Just let me know where.”
Stone seems pleased by my answer. “Probably Mario’s, but I’ll text you the details.”
“Good deal,” I reply as I back completely across my threshold. I start to shut the door. “Good night.”
He again bids me good night just before the door clicks shut and I turn around to lean against it.
I lift my head a few inches and let it fall backward with a thump. “Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.”
My eyes land on Odin, curled up on the couch, watching me with sleepy eyes. I obviously woke him up. His tail thumps on the leather cushion now that he has my attention, but I break it to gaze up at the ceiling.
How I let myself get immersed in such a fantasy with Stone is beyond me. I should’ve been paying attention to the signs the last few weeks. He was brought into my life to be my new friend now that Brooks died. It is a gift. I am grateful, and I need to learn to cherish it for what it is and stop hoping for more.
I push away from my door, tugging off my coat and hanging it on the coat rack. My intent is to head straight to my bedroom to put on pajamas and then I’ll get some Odin cuddles. But I freeze mid-step, remembering now that Stone had a look on his face just before I shut the door.
Was it disappointment? Was he hoping for something different and didn’t want to make the move since I’m the one who drew the line to start?
I shake my head. “Stop looking for things that aren’t there, Harlow.”
I take another step and stop again.
Yes, I think there was disappointment. Or maybe not disappointment, but a hopeful expectation that wasn’t met? That’s a nicer way of saying it.
There was definitely something in his expression that I can’t quite put my finger on, but I can tell he was bothered by something.
I pivot toward my door and stare at it. I can stay here in my condo and go on with my life just as it is. Which will include going to bed and probably lying awake for a long time, wondering about what-ifs.
It’s a safe move.
Or… I can pull up my britches and investigate exactly what might be between me and Stone.
But I’m the one who’s going to have to take action.
A sudden burst of courage flushes through me, and I turn the knob. “I’ll be back,” I say to Odin.
I march down to Stone’s condo and stop before his door.
Taking a deep breath, I try to quell the nerves and raise my hand to knock. I wait to see if doubt will creep in and send me scurrying, but I realize I’m sick of having conversations with myself about what Stone is feeling.
It’s time I find out and put this to rest.
Knock, knock, knock.
My knuckles are swift and decisive in announcing my presence.
I hear footsteps and almost bolt but then have another surge of bravery and hold my ground.
And then the door is open and Stone is looking at me, head tilted in curiosity.
I should demand to know his intentions. Ask him to stop giving me mixed signals, even though those admittedly may all be in my head.
I want to insist he make things clear to me so I can stop wondering.
Instead, I remember all the obstacles I’ve overcome and how hard I’ve battled for sobriety, and that I am a strong, independent woman who can accomplish anything.
So I step over Stone’s threshold, walk right into his body, and wrap my arms around his neck. I pull him down so his mouth is forced to mine, and I kiss him with all my might.
I can feel the jolt of surprise through his body, and I’m terrified he’ll push me away. He certainly has every right to do so since I laid the initial boundary.
But to my immense relief, Stone utters a growl low in his chest that reverberates into mine, my body pressed tight to his. He kisses me back.
It’s so different from that first kiss fueled by such negative emotion. I mean, that kiss was hot in all its glory, but this one… it’s not only scorching, but it feels exquisitely intimate. Like I’m bared before Stone, and he can see everything about me.