389 By the River (2)

"I…" Angela swallowed. She was so overwhelmed that her mind became muddled. "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say." Gael was quiet, and her heart thundered that she was afraid he would hear it. "I'm so nervous I'm afraid to talk."

"Then don't. I'm not forcing you to tell me anything." His voice was gentle; it broke her heart.

Seconds passed as they continued to look into each other's eyes. Hers fell on his lips and her heart raced. Then she told him, "I'm dying to kiss you."

One minute, Gael was confessing his feelings, and the next, he was pushing Angela's chair back, reclining it all the way down, and then moving on top of her.

Still trying to absorb everything he told her a few seconds ago, she didn't have time to respond when he crashed his lips to hers. Angela swore Gael was trying to suck the life out of her with the way he plunged his tongue into her mouth. He tasted dark and sweet like the wine they finished before leaving the table.