Page 109 of Her Summer Hope
"Talk to me,” Kyle murmured. “Tell me about yourself, about the kids.”
She breathed a shaky breath, unaccountably nervous. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything."
Madison's heart thudded. Where to start? Her failed marriage and bitter separation? The struggles of raising four kids alone? Her longing for connection that had gone unanswered for so long?
She took a sip of wine for courage. Kyle's gaze dropped to her mouth, darkening, and heat pooled low in her belly.
"There's not much to tell," she said. "My life has been pretty ordinary…most of the time."
"Nothing about you is ordinary." Kyle lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles, his breath warm on her skin. "You're special, Maddy. I knew that the moment I saw you."
Madison's breath caught at the tenderness in his voice. No one had ever looked at her this way, like she was something precious. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked them away.
"Hey." Kyle scooted his chair closer and cupped her cheek. "Did I say something wrong?"
She placed her hand over his, leaning into his touch. "No. It's just...it's been a long time since anyone made me feel special."
A flash of anger darkened Kyle's eyes, there and gone in an instant. "Rob was a fool." He stroked her cheek with his thumb, his gaze softening. "But his loss is my gain. Tell me you want that too, Maddy.”
“I do.” Madison turned her head to press a kiss to his calloused palm, and his breath hitched.
Arousal surged within her, intensifying with each caress of his thumb against her cheek.
Tonight, she didn’t feel ordinary. Tonight, Kyle made her feel like the only woman in the world.
"Tell me more about your time in the military," she said softly, trying to focus on something other than the heat radiating from his strong thigh pressed against hers.
Kyle hesitated for a moment before starting to share some stories about his past experiences, his voice deep and rich like velvet.
Madison hung onto every word, captivated by the way he had moved through the world— driven by honor, duty, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. She felt a growing pull to the wounded hero sitting beside her, and it both frightened and exhilarated her.
As the main course arrived, a succulent steak with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, the tension between them sizzled.
Kyle couldn't take his eyes off Madison, particularly her lips as they wrapped around her fork or the rim of her wine glass. He was entranced, and Madison could feel her cheeks flush under his intense scrutiny.
The power emanating from him ignited a fire in her belly, a craving she hadn't experienced in years…until she’d met Kyle.
She glanced around the restaurant, noticing several women stealing appreciative glances at him. Even the sultry waitress seemed to be flirting with him, eyes lingering on his broad chest and chiseled jawline as she placed their plates on the table.
But Kyle only had eyes for Madison.
"Have I told you how incredible you look tonight?" Kyle murmured, his voice husky and filled with longing.
"You have. Thank you," Madison replied, barely managing a whisper. Her heart raced as she took a sip of her wine, its rich flavor coating her tongue. "I haven't felt this carefree in a long time."
"Good," he said, reaching for her hand beneath the table, intertwining their fingers again. "You deserve to be happy, Maddy."
When he was finished with his meal, heart pounding, Madison gathered her courage. "Would you like to go back to my place after this?"
Kyle went still, his eyes searching hers. For a moment, she feared she'd been too bold. Then a slow, devastating smile spread across his lips.
"I'd love nothing more." His voice was a low rumble that resonated through her entire body. "If you're sure that's what you want."
"I'm sure." Madison slid her hand up his arm, thrilling at the solid muscle under her palm. "I don't want this night to end just yet."
"Good." Kyle leaned in, his breath warm on her ear. "Because I'm not done with you yet."