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Hudson set aside his pages, looking pleased.

“Glad it worked. Though I still think the fellow ought to put down the axe before he starts kissing anybody.”

I smiled as I saved our work.

“You’re quite determined about that, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I think I could show you a much better approach.”

There was something distinctly suggestive about the way he said it.

I glanced at him over the top of my glasses.

“Are you proposing another practical demonstration?”

“I am. One that doesn’t require a ceremonial weapon, a magical stump, or anybody standing in two places at once.”

I laughed and closed the rehearsal session.

After confirming that the files were saved, I switched off the audio interface and checked that no remote connection or recording remained active. Our phones weren’t capturing anything, either.

Only then did I turn back toward him.

“Very well, Mr. Hewitt. I’m ready to observe your technique.”

Hudson stood and offered me his hand.

I took it, rising from my chair and moving into the open space beside the desk.

He was smiling down at me, his green eyes bright with amusement.

“First thing I’d change,” he said, “is that business with the axe. If Drake wants to get close to Isadora, he ought to put the damn thing away and concentrate on the woman standing in front of him.”

“A remarkably sensible suggestion. I imagine she’d appreciate that.”

“I’d hope so.”

Hudson moved closer and rested his hands at my waist.

“Then I’d make sure she wanted me touching her before I started doing anything else.”

I slipped my arms around his neck.

“She does,” I assured him. “Very much.”

His smile softened.

“Good. Because I’d like to kiss her.”

I rose onto my toes and drew him down toward me.

“Then I suggest you stop talking about it.”

Hudson laughed against my mouth before kissing me.

He tasted faintly of coffee and ginger, and I enjoyed the familiar scrape of his stubble against my cheek as he drew me closer. His broad hands settled comfortably at my back while I threaded my fingers into his sandy hair.

I loved kissing this man.