Page 31

"Tell me to stop, and I will."

I don't want him to stop.

I want him closer.

"I'd rather you didn't."

His gaze holds mine for one more heartbeat.

Then he lowers his head.

The first brush of his lips is soft enough to make me ache.

He kisses me slowly, as though he's giving me time to change my mind.

I have absolutely no intention of doing that.

My fingers curl into his shirt, and I lean closer.

His other hand settles at my waist.

Warmth spreads through me as his lips move against mine again, firmer this time.

Oh, dear God.

The man's mouth should come with a warning of its own.

His stubble brushes my cheek, and the hand against my face slides into my hair.

I can feel the restraint in him.

The way he holds me carefully.

As though he's afraid of frightening me.

The thought does something terrible to my heart.

When he draws back, I follow him without thinking.

"You okay, darlin'?"

I open my eyes.

His are darker now.

Still watching me.

Still making sure.

"That wasn't nearly enough," I whisper.

A slow, devastating smile spreads across his face.

"Come here, then."

I pull him down by his shirt.

This time, the kiss is anything but cautious.