Page 49 of Here & Now

Eleven

Zane’s lips were smooth and full, and Bree tasted a hint of beer on them. His body was hard and solid, like an anchor in a storm. She wanted him to keep holding her and not let go, but he pulled back.

“Bree…” He touched his forehead to hers.

She didn’t want to talk; she just wanted to feel. She looped her arms around his neck and pressed her body closer.

“Why did you stop?”

“I want this. I want you, but I don’t think you’re ready.”

“That’s for me to decide.” This wasn’t like her, this boldness, but she hadn’t felt this way in a long time, and she embraced it.

“I’m trying to do the right thing here.”

“By saying no?”

“By waiting.”

“I’m not going to be around that long.”

He hated the reminder. “You’ll regret this tomorrow.”

“How do you know?”

He growled. “You’re making this really difficult.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

He smiled, and she zoned in on his mouth, his lips.

“We should clean up.”

“We will after one more kiss.”

As he gazed at her, his eyes danced with amusement and desire. She knew she had him.

“One more…”

He dipped his head and captured her mouth, fitting his lips perfectly over hers. He took charge this time, and soon he had nudged her lips apart to taste her tongue.

She couldn’t remember the last time a kiss had felt this good. All too soon, he pulled back again. They were both breathing hard, and they gazed at each other for a long moment, contemplating what they’d set into motion. He let go, and she stepped back.

“Okay, then,” she said, quickly coming back to herself. “Time to clean up.”

“Right.”

“I’ll get the broom.”

“You do that.”

She turned and hurried into the kitchen. Her heart still pulsed from the kiss as she opened the refrigerator and stuck her head inside, relishing the cool air on her heated skin. Then she took out two bottles of water and closed the door. She grabbed the broom, dustpan, and a trash bag and returned to the living room.

He was still standing in the entranceway where she’d left him, and now he rushed forward. “Let me help you.”

He took the broom, dustpan, and one of the waters. Then they went into the living room and got to work. He swept up the glass and broken shells while she carefully picked up the ones that were still intact and set them on the coffee table.

“I’ll have to buy another vase for these,” she said almost to herself.