Page 36 of Rescuing Brinley

She grinned. “You mean today didn’t count as a first date?”

“Not even close. Although I do have to admit that I’ve gotten to know a hell of a lot about you because of the extreme circumstances we were under. All of it good. You fascinate me, Brinley Deaton. Intrigue me. Impress me. And I can’t wait to get to know you better when we aren’t dodging bullets and trying to stay alive.”

“Me too.”

Shadow stood there, wanting nothing more than for her to invite him into her room, to spend the rest of the night showing her exactly how much he enjoyed being in her company. But he knew deep down she wasn’t the kind of woman who went to bed with men on a whim.

“I took some liberties today that seemed right in the moment, but in hindsight probably weren’t very respectful. I’d like to kiss you, but this time with your permission.”

In response, Brinley’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushed once more, and she gave him a shy smile.

Moving slowly, Shadow lifted a hand and brushed his knuckles over her cheek. Her eyes closed and she sighed. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers. And immediately knew that wasn’t enough. He needed more.

His hand went to her nape, and he held her still as he slanted his head and deepened the kiss. Her hands gripped the front of his shirt and she leaned into him.

How long they made out in the hallway in front of her door, Shadow had no idea. All he knew was that when he finally forced himself to pull back, his entire life had changed.

Brinley’s eyes opened, and he swore they were a darker green than they’d been before. Her pupils were dilated, and it was all he could do not to kiss her again. “Stay safe.”

“I will.”

“If you can, avoid your mother and sister. I don’t like the thought of them saying shit to you.”

“It won’t be anything I haven’t heard before.”

“Don’t care. Still don’t like you not having someone at your back.”

“You sound like Cypress.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

Brinley smiled. “She’s protective.”

“Good.”

“Dash?”

Damn, he liked how his name sounded coming from her lips. “Yeah?”

“I’m glad we met.”

“Same.” He could stand here and talk to her all night, but she had to be exhausted. Shadow leaned forward and kissed her forehead reverently before forcing himself to step back. “Sleep well.”

“I’ll try. Will you text me and let me know when you get back to Fairbanks safely?”

“Of course. Don’t forget to send me your flight info as well.”

“I will.”

When Brinley licked her lips, it was all Shadow could do to step away from her.

“Go inside, Brin. I’ll talk to you soon.”

She nodded and turned to unlock her hotel room door. She looked at him for a long moment, giving him an adorable little awkward wave before shutting the door. He waited until he heard the deadbolt latch before walking down the hall toward the stairwell.

Today had been…shit. But it had also felt like the first day of the rest of his life.

The one thought he had as he climbed the stairs toward the room he was sharing with Zero was that he couldn’t wait to call his mom and tell her that he’d met the woman he wanted to marry.