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It gave me time to feel her fingers at the back of my neck, the way she leaned closer when I deepened the kiss, and the breath she took when my thumb moved along her waist.

Yeah.

I eased back before judgment started negotiating with me.

Her eyes stayed closed for another second.

“That was not restrained,” she countered.

“That was measured.”

“By what standard?”

“What I wanted to do versus what I actually did.”

Her eyes opened.

“Should I be concerned?”

“Only if you keep looking at me like this parking lot got privacy.”

She smiled. “Maybe I don’t care.”

Jesus.

I laughed low and rested my forehead against hers.

“You getting bold.”

“Maybe.”

“I like it.”

“I know.”

That answer again.

I kissed her forehead, then one cheek, then the other.

Nolani laughed and pushed lightly against my chest.

“Go see your mama.”

“In a minute.”

“Landon.”

I kissed her mouth once more.

Short.

Necessary.

“Now.”

“Better?”

“No.”