Page 56 of Thorn Evermore
“Good. I knew you were a reasonable man.”
I leave his office, ignoring the curious glances of the two workers as I return to the front. I find Kyson talking to an older couple in front of a display of dusty books. His whole face lights up as he talks, pointing to several of the treasures on the table. The couple choose two and thank him for his time. He swings around, his smile turning shy when he sees me.
“Hi, Thorn.”
“Hello, sweetheart. Can we talk?”
“Um, I’d love to but I’m still working.”
“And when do you get off?”
He glances at his watch. “Four hours still.”
“I’ll wait.”
“Um, you don’t have to.” He exhales, moving away slightly. “What did you say to Neal?”
“I’ll tell you all about it. Can I pick you up after work?”
“Maybe we need a few days apart. Everything got so intense last night and?—”
I move suddenly, appearing right before him and puttingmy index finger over his lips. He startles, gazing at me with wonder in his eyes.
“No, Kyson. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me, and I thought you’d still be there when I got back.”
He lowers my hand from his lips. “Where did you go?”
“Out. I needed to think.”
I feel his internal struggles. Part of him wants to push me away, but the other part… I touch his cheek. He can’t resist me, and now I know why.
“I had a really important realization, and I want to share it with you. I have to.”
Surprising me, he stomps off, pushing past me and right out the front door of the store. I follow him, pleased by his tenacity.
When I get outside, he turns to face me, his arms crossed over his chest. “I don’t need some big, elaborate list of reasons why you’re not ready for something serious with me. All you have to say is we need to slow down or I’m not what you want. I can handle it. I know what love bombing is, you know.”
My heart actually aches upon hearing his protest. He’s convinced himself that’s why I was gone this morning.
“Love bombing?”
He blows out a breath. “If you’re gonna dump me, just do it.”
“Listen, Kyson, you couldn’t be more wrong. Either you can give me a chance to explain it later when you get off, or I can make a spectacle and kiss you right here in front of your coworkers to prove myself. Your choice.”
A smile pulls at his lips even as his cheeks bloom pink. “Maybe… maybe both would be good.”
“I like the way you think, beautiful.”
I wrap my arm around his waist and pull him into me until our chests are touching, eliciting a sweet little gasp. When our lips meet, he melts in my arms, humming softly as Iexplore his mouth. I tilt him back dramatically, drawing the applause of a few passersby.
Kyson giggles, playing with my beard as we break the kiss and I set him upright. “I don’t want to believe this is real. I’m scared.”
“I was too, but what you feel, what we’re both feeling, it’s very real. Don’t ever run off on me again, huh? ’Cause I’ll chase you. I’ll chase you forever.”
He shivers in my arms. “Do you promise?”
“Yeah, baby, I promise.” I brush my thumb across his chin. “I’ll be waiting when you get off.”