The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient, #2)

by Helen Hoang

Just as she lifted the bowl and bag and unfolded her legs so she could get up, he looked at her directly and said, “I’m sorry.” The words were so unexpected she didn’t know what to do. She stared at him without blinking. “I screwed up last night. I didn’t realize— I didn’t know—” He made a frustrated sound and looked down at his knees. “I swear I practiced this, but it’s not coming out right.” His eyes met hers again, determined now. “Last night was my first time.” She shook her head, not understanding. “My first time. Ever. With a woman. With anyone.” “You never ...?” she said before her throat dried up. “I know it’s not a great excuse. I should have prepared ahead of time to make sure I did right by you, but ...” His expression softened. “I’m glad it was you.” She didn’t know how to respond. She’d never dreamed she’d be anyone’s first, and being this guarded man’s first meant something. “I suppose that’s a selfish thing to say, considering you didn’t like it,” he said, grimacing slightly. “Will you give me another chance? Let me make it up to you?” She parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out. “Or have I screwed things up too badly?” When she still couldn’t bring herself to reply, his chest deflated. His lips curved with an almost-there smile, no dimples, and he averted his eyes and came up onto his knees. “I’m going to go to the office. I’ll see—” “If I give you another chance, what will you do?” she asked. His eyes searched hers before they dropped to her lips an...