Page 44 of Chasing Forever

“We said we weren’t doing this.”

“Doing what?”

“Getting involved.”

“We just kissed. It’s not like we signed a contract or anything.”

“I know, but it could lead to more kissing, which might lead to...”

“Having sex.”

He phrased it like a statement of fact rather than a question, and her stomach flipped. She hadn’t expected him to be so direct, since he seldom ever was. But his confidence was showing, and he grinned. “We’re adults, Callie. I’m just telling it like it is.”

“Is that…is that what you want?”

“Do you?”

“Here we go again.”

He chuckled and closed the distance between them. He hesitated as if waiting for her to stop him, but she couldn’t. Slipping his arms around her waist, he said, “I want whatever you want.”

Her heart was pounding out of her chest, and her nipples were trying to poke holes through her dress. Placing his index finger under her chin, he tipped her face up and searched her eyes. “What do you want?”

She swallowed hard while wriggling a little closer. “I’ll take another kiss.”

“Should we step inside for this one?”

“I’m not sure it’s safe.”

He chuckled and then lightly brushed her lips with his. “Why not?”

“I’m afraid we might not come back out.”

His eyes blazed. “I’m willing to risk it whenever you are.”

Her brain felt like it was short-circuiting. There was too much conflicting data to make a rational decision. If she were a different type of person, she’d have dragged him into her condo by now, consequences be damned. But she wasn’t experienced with casual encounters. She’d had one long-term relationship, and she’d been absent from the dating scene for what felt like ages. Besides, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Not here. Not now.

“You just talked yourself out of it, didn’t you?”

He spoke softly with a hint of disappointment. She had to give him credit for his patience and for allowing her to set the course of their “relationship.”

Sliding her hands up his arms, she clasped them behind his neck. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I get it.”

For two people who’d just agreed they weren’t having sex, they certainly weren’t in any hurry to say goodnight.

“I had a great time.”

“Me too.”

“Thanks for watching the sunset with me.”

“Thanks for kissing me.”

Her heart fluttered. “You’re a good kisser.”

“So are you.”