someone if you want someone? That no one should have to be
lonely?”
“It’s the kind of loneliness that I’m trapped in because I
don’t know how to be anything else.”
Emily didn’t know what to say to that. She realized she had
indeed been spoiled. Too sheltered. That her parents had done
what they’d done to keep her safe. She’d been given just about
anything she’d ever asked for in life, and it seemed like Dani
had lived the exact opposite way. On top of everything, she
might lose her store, her apartment, her way of life. It was so
unfair.
Emily reached up and covered Dani’s hands with her own.
She couldn’t believe those warm palms were still cupping her
face. Why was Dani touching her like this? This was intense in
a very intimate, sensual kind of way. Emily was interested.
There was no doubt about it. The whole marriage thing might
have been a sham, but right here on this beach, Emily knew
what she wanted. But what did Danica want?
“I shouldn’t do this,” Dani whispered. Her hands stayed
right where they were, which caused all the nerves in Emily’s
body to leap wildly. She could hardly bring herself to hope
because she didn’t want to be shattered. Dani’s hands trembled
ever so slightly, but Emily felt the tremor.
“Do what?” Emily rasped, her voice thick and heavy.
“This.”
Dani closed the space between them quickly. Her one hand
stayed cupped on Emily’s cheek while the other swept around
to her hair. She pushed back the headband and ripped at
Emily’s bun, bringing her closer, closer. Dani crushed her
mouth to Emily’s in the hottest, hardest kiss Emily had ever