new and unexpected warmth surged through her, emanating from the way Blaze was looking at her, his eyes caressing her softly.
She struggled to keep from blurting out her news. Now was definitely not the right time or place.
“I was thinking about all the stuff you told me about your childhood and adolescence,” Livi stated. “You and I have so much in common. I was rebellious in my teen years, as well. I don’t know if you remember my telling you that.... Anyway, when I see you now, it’s hard for me to believe you were ever the kid you described.”
Blaze chuckled. “Oh, I was definitely that person. But you...” He shook his head. “What did you do that was so rebellious?”
“I used to sneak out of my parents’ house and take the car.”
He shook his head in disbelief.
“I did,” Livi said. “I was a handful. I’m sure our parents are thrilled that we’re finally past our teenage years—I know my parents couldn’t be happier.”
Laughing, Blaze nodded in agreement. “Do you think that’s why we were so drawn to each other? Because we’re both rebels?”
“That’s probably part of it,” Livi responded. “I was also attracted to your mind. We had some great conversations on politics, education and life in general.”
“I do remember some of those conversations,” Blaze stated with a grin. “A couple of them got really heated.”
Livi smiled. “You and I have a difference of opinion when it comes to education in low-income areas.”
“We won’t rehash that conversation,” he said. “I would rather spend the evening talking about the good times we had in Vegas.”
“We definitely had those,” she murmured in a low voice. Livi implored him with her eyes to try to remember.
* * *
Blaze was still drawn to Livi.
He enjoyed listening to her as she discussed her plans for the future during dinner. He admired her determination and optimism.
In the back of his mind, Blaze briefly considered that Livi’s renewed interest in him could be financial, but he forced that thought out of his mind. He had never thought of Livi as a gold digger, but then Blaze never thought she was the type of woman to run away from any situation.
While he still found her irresistible, he vowed not to be led by his heart. Things had changed for him since that time in Vegas.
Livi had gotten under his skin in a huge way, but she’d left when Blaze had needed her most.
Blaze shook his head as if to ward off the thought. He did not even want to admit it to himself. Pain of any kind was a sign of weakness as far as he was concerned.
“Blaze...” Livi prompted. “What are you thinking about?”
“Why didn’t you come see me when you came to the hospital? Why did you just leave like that?”
She met his gaze. “I didn’t want to intrude. When you fell off that stage, I tried to get to you, but security wouldn’t let me. By the time I made it to the front, the paramedics were rushing you to the hospital.”
“You didn’t ride with me?” he asked.
Livi shook her head no. “I could hardly get any information on your condition from your friends. They were very protective of you.”
“I didn’t know, Livi. All they told me was that you had stopped by the hospital and then left.”
“I felt as if I wasn’t wanted there.”
“I was in and out of consciousness that night.”
“I realize that, but back then, I didn’t know,” Livi said. “I made a wrong assumption. I see that now.”
“I guess I can understand why you would be so hesitant to contact me then.” Blaze checked his watch. “It’s getting late and I have a long day tomorrow.”
Livi stood up. “Thanks for dinner.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Blaze escorted Livi to her car outside the restaurant.
He surprised them both by giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.
A quiver surged through Livi’s veins. She waited for her quickened pulse to return to normal.
She was both surprised and pleased by Blaze’s kiss.
“I...I don’t really know why I just did that. It just seemed natural.”
She smiled. “I didn’t mind. I’m just surprised because you seemed angry with me earlier.”
“There is a part of me that’s angry,” Blaze admitted. “I didn’t like the way you just up and left me, but I’ll be okay.”
“Thank you for dinner,” she murmured. “I enjoyed sitting down with you and talking.”
“It’s going to take some time,” Blaze responded.
“If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would handle everything differently.”
He gave her a brief hug. “At least now, we have a chance to renew our friendship.”
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