Authors: Lori Lapekes

The Gingerbread Boy (40 page)

Turning around to face him, I gathered my courage and brushed my fingertips against his brow. He looked at me with those expectant, breathtaking eyes and I was lost. Even though this might not be why Emily wanted me here, it felt right.

Gently, I wiped away his tears and smoothed his hair as a mother might. His hand reached up and touched my cheek sweetly.

“Who are you?” he whispered, his voice full of awe. “I’ve never been able to talk to someone this way.”

“It’s amazing the things people tell me,” I teased and offered a small grin. He returned it, but quickly sobered, studying my face again. We both seemed to be waiting for something. For the right moment? For the right words? I licked my lips, knowing that kissing him was going to be an amazing journey. One I wasn’t sure I was ready for after such a short acquaintance.

“Thank you for sharing Emily with me,” I whispered, the double meaning of my words lost on him. And then, with a reverent look on his face, his lips touched mine.

It was the second time in my life I knew I would never be the same.