#Chapter 62: A rejection

Nan’s POV I lean into kiss him… Lionel pulls away. I stop. Embarrassment burns my cheeks. I take a step back. Let my eyes fully take him in. Wanting to understand this…this…rejection. ‘That word stings,’ I acknowledge. But there is no other word to describe his reluctance. He looks tense. His hands are clenched at his sides. His gaze is trained on something just beyond my shoulders…avoiding my probing look. He does not look angry. But he does not look content or flush with his victory either. I am baffled by this sudden change in demeanor. ‘What’s wrong? What could have happened in the span of seconds to so completely ruin our moment?’ I am intensely bothered by this unexpected rejection. “Lionel, what’s wrong?” I blurt out. Then wince at the rough edge to my tone. ‘I guess his rejection of my kiss hurt my feelings more than I realized. I need to tone it down.’ I think. He shakes his head. “It’s nothing. It’s just been a long day.” But I am unconvinced. His w