Chapter 138

*MARY’S POV*

We sat down, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. The wine had left me feeling a little light-headed, and as Josh’s arm draped over the back of the bench, his closeness was intoxicating.

“Mary,” he said softly, his voice a little huskier than usual, “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.”

Before I could ask what he meant, his lips were on mine. The kiss was slow and gentle at first, but it quickly deepened as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Every inch of me felt alive, and I lost myself in the moment, forgetting everything else but the feel of him, the taste of him.

The kiss grew more heated, his hands moving to my waist, pulling me against him. I could feel the fire building between us, and for a moment, I didn’t care where this was heading. I wanted him, and it was clear he wanted me, too.

When we finally pulled away, breathless, his forehead rested against mine. “Come back to my place,” he whispered, his voice low and rough.

I nodd