Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

I slept badly. I kept thinking about Thomas and our argument, desperately trying to forget my little misstep in the pool. Yesterday, I was incredibly reckless in more than one regard. I don’t want to think about Ezra and his charm. It makes me uneasy and questions things. But I have nothing to question in my life.

I. Am. Happy!

Thankfully, June spent last night at a friend’s house. I wanted to be alone and wouldn’t have been able to keep up the fake smile. She would have seen right through me and asked why her father wasn’t coming home. I didn’t want to drag her into this messy situation. All I wanted to do today was hide in my bedroom, but that’s impossible because Thomas wants to take me out for a fancy dinner tonight to make up for his misbehavior yesterday.

To distract myself, I’ve decided to go to the garden center. It always relaxes me when I buy a new beautiful plant for my beloved garden—my haven of peace and refuge.

Once there, I head straight outside to the spacious outdoor area. It’s almost like a maze, and I can let my mind wander as I look around at all the beautiful flowers, shrubs, and potted plants. I cherish this space and its delightful scents. Today, however, my visit isn't just about enjoying the garden. I'm considering purchasing a new garden shed, as the current one has seen better days.

I stroll through the little labyrinth of corridors and paths. Here and there, I stop in front of one of the model sheds set up, thinking about whether it would suit our garden and how everything might harmonize.

I’m entirely at ease and in my little world. I feel comfortable here because, for once, no one is telling me what to do or what not to do. This place is about me and my thoughts, my tastes, and way of seeing things. And even if it’s something as small as choosing a garden shed, I don’t let it take away my joy.

A dark blue shed in the far corner catches my attention. I inspect it further and am about to see the inside for myself. But as I open the door, someone suddenly pushes me in from behind. I gasp in shock but can’t think of anything else to say. I am far too taken by surprise to react.

My heart races and my thoughts spiral out of control, leaving me uncertain of what will happen next. The stranger shuts the door, plunging the small room into dim light filtered through the frosted glass window, then presses me against the wall. The scent of lacquered wood and dust fills the air, but then a familiar aftershave mixed with leather catches my attention. I lift my head and, to my shock, see Ezra standing before me, his hands resting on the wood to my left and right.

Though he's so close, he leaves just enough space to avoid making me feel threatened, despite being the one who put me in this situation. I swallow hard, my mouth dry and my heart pounding so fiercely against my chest that I fear it might leap out if I'm not careful.

“Hello, Cora,” he murmurs my name in that mysterious way as if it belongs only to him.

His smoky voice sends another shiver down my spine. I’m unsure what he’s doing here, how he found me, or what he wants from me, but the anticipation captivates me. Excites me. Just like he and his presence do.

“Ezra,” I whisper because that’s all I can get out.

His alert gaze burns into mine, and I bite my lower lip uncertainly. He looks down at my lips, and his hand finds its way to my cheek. Ezra gently strokes my heated skin and my face burns again with shame. Even if I don’t want to react, I can’t help it. This guy is so upsetting and takes my breath away, even though he screams danger, and I shouldn’t be excited about that—but it does. He does.

I shouldn’t feel a nervous flutter of butterflies in my stomach. My heart shouldn't be galloping wildly in my chest like a Mustang reveling in the freedom of the prairie. And my lips shouldn’t start tingling from his hot breath hitting them and him being so close to me, his lips only inches away.

“What are you doing here?” I say in a raspy voice, because I have to say something, don’t I? Stop us from doing something stupid. I can’t be here with you… alone .

His thumb continues to caress my heated cheek tenderly. He gently pulls away from me again, and his gaze wanders back and forth between my lips and eyes as if he can’t decide which one he prefers to look at.

“What am I doing here?” he repeats my question and steps closer to me so our bodies are now touching.

I lick my lips uncertainly and look up at him. Ezra seems so strong and is so incredibly handsome… Stop it, Cora! My inner voice warns me and smacks my fingers before I burn myself touching him.

“I’m pulling myself together. But I don’t know how long I can do that before I…”

“Before you…?” I whisper and swallow as his thumb traces the contours of my lower lip.

“I do this,” he replies, and his lips come dangerously close to mine.

A thousand thoughts race through my mind in a split second until the voice of reason drowns them all out. I put my hand on his chest and am about to push him away from me when his lips delicately touch mine. He pauses and leaves his soft, soft lips motionless on mine.

An electric shockwave hits my body, setting every inch on fire. It’s a bittersweet torture, and a part of me wants to kiss him back. To let him take my breath away because we both know that he could- would . But I can’t. So I put more pressure on his chest and gently pushed him away from me.

We’re both panting, and my clit is throbbing treacherously. My body is protesting and questioning my decision. And yet, I had to make it because it was the right thing to do.

“I’m a married woman,” I whisper devotedly, finding my way back into my role.

“I know,” he replies hoarsely, his thumb gently tracing my lower lip as if trying to commit its shape to memory with each touch.

“And I’m at least ten years older than you,” I try to sound convincing.

Ezra must realize that this has no future. It can’t lead anywhere!

“Mmm. And so incredibly attractive and seductive that the thought of not being allowed to kiss you now drives me wild,” he replies with a deep growl in his voice.

My eyes widen at his words. He can’t say something like that to me. He can’t possibly be serious!

I shake my head gently, unable to say anything in reply. All I know is that I have to get out of here. Now !

Ezra drops his hand from my face and the one resting on the wood as if he could read my mind. But he doesn’t step away and, to my surprise, leans down toward me again. I hold my breath and look at him with widened eyes as he comes closer and closer to me until I feel his soft lips on my cheek.

“Right now, I’m happy with this,” he whispers against my skin before pulling away from me and leaving the garden shed.

Gasping for air, I linger against the wall, attempting to gather my scattered thoughts and make sense of what just happened. But clarity eludes me, and I'm reluctant to explore these thoughts or consider him further, uncertain of where they might lead. One thing is sure: it won’t be to paradise…