“Dinner was amazing.”
Mitch would never question her culinary skills again. The steak, potatoes au gratin and Caesar salad had all been superb, and the Valentine’s Day presentation was lovely.
She’d set the table with red plates, silver place mats and pretty, disposable napkins that said Baby Be Mine. Red, scented candles in heart-shaped votives cast a warm glow on the room.
Monique thanked him and settled onto the couch. She’d barely touched her food and had passed on the wine.
Uncharacteristic of her.
“I’ve never seen you eat or drink so little.” Mitch poured himself another glass of wine and sat at the opposite end of the couch. “We can’t go the entire weekend like this. You came all this way to talk, so let’s talk.”
Monique looked relieved he’d brought it up, then queasy at the idea of finally having the conversation. She shivered and pulled a throw around her shoulders.
Mitch exhaled softly, fighting the desire to take her in his arms.
She repositioned herself so she faced him.
“I should’ve told you about Vegas, but that night…it felt like the stars had finally aligned for us. I was afraid that if we missed our chance that night, we might never have another.”
He understood the anxiety she expressed. His heart had felt as if it might explode whenever Ray had talked about one of Mo’s boyfriends. Like his world was spinning out of control and there was nothing he could do about it.
“Doesn’t excuse what you did.”
“I know.” She pulled the blanket tight around her. “But if I’d told you, would you have kissed me, made love to me?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “But it would’ve been my choice. I wouldn’t have been blindsided after the fact.”
Tears sprung from her eyes and her caramel cheeks turned bright red. Monique seemed embarrassed by her sudden emotion. She struggled to her feet.
He grasped her hand, coaxing her onto his lap.
An ill-advised move.
He should be putting distance between them, not cradling her in his arms. Inhaling her sweet scent. Absorbing her warmth.
But he couldn’t bear to see her hurting.
He cupped her cheek and pressed a kiss to her wet face, tasting her salty tears.
She sighed softly, trembling in his arms.
Mitch kissed one corner of her mouth, then the other. “Why is it, Monique James, that I find you impossible to resist?”
“Maybe for the same reason I haven’t been able to get over you, no matter how hard I’ve tried.” She stroked his cheek, her voice soft. “Because I’m in love with you. Have been since I was twelve years old. Regardless of what happens between us, I will never stop loving you.”
Mitch swallowed, stunned by her admission. “You’re in love with me?”
“Madly and deeply.” A small smile curved the edges of her berry-stained lips. “So resistance is futile.”