Page 43 of Touchdowns and Temptations

“Is that why you didn't want to go out with me? Because you were afraid I would use your dad to cement my position with the Boston Foxes?”

“No,” I say honestly. “I just don't date football players.”

“Not at all?” he asks in horror.

“No, not at all, and stop asking me about it. I've already told you several times.”

“And what do you do when there's this incredibly handsome, unique and insanely charismatic guy who's also a fantastic kisser?” he asks, taking big steps towards me. “And then he tells you he's a football player?”

Noah keeps looking at me and stands close to me. I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze.

“Then I tell him I'm not interested.”

“Even if you're already in love with him?” he whispers and leans down to me.

My heart is in my throat and I swallow. When exactly did the conversation about Marina's pregnancy, wine and Alex's first girlfriend escalate like this?

I look at Noah and know where he's going with this. Damn it. What am I going to say? He's never going to give up.

“Is this the male hunting instinct?” I blurt out, making him jump.

“Wha... what?” he stammers, and I take advantage of the situation to pull away from him and put some distance between us. He is way too close to me and I can't help but think about kissing him.

“Is it because of some male hunting instinct, that you'll try anything to get me?”

“Male...” Noah laughs and stops. Suddenly he jumps towards me so I can't react quickly. He grabs me and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me against him. My body bounces against his and I feel his hard muscles. Noah looks down at me and his breathing accelerates.

“Don't do it!” I warn him in a husky voice.

“What?” he asks and leans down to me. My heart is beating faster again and everything in me is resisting to snuggle up to him and let him do what he's about to do. But damn it ... I'm just a woman. And he's an extremely hot guy.

“Don't kiss me,” I beg him, looking up at him. “Please.”

“Why not?” he whispers. “My god, Cara.”

Noah blows air so it brushes my cheek. Goose bumps spread across my body, and I run my hands down his broad chest.

“I should have kissed you earlier,” he whispers.

“It would complicate things unnecessarily,” I say, looking at him. “And you know that.”

Noah meets my gaze and closes his eyelids. I think he already sees it and knows it's not a good idea, but then he cups my face with his big hands. I want to protest again. But I just stand there and stare at him.

“Damn it, Cara,” he growls. “This isn't going to work, you know that. We can't just be friends.”

His statement echoes in my head and I want to answer him when his lips are already on mine.

13

Cara

The feeling of Noah's lips on mine is insanely good. Much better than I ever imagined and would admit. He gives me time to return the kiss, but I'm unable to react.

My inner voice is still warning me about this kiss and what it will change between us.

I can't let it happen and stumble into the inevitable: Falling in love with Noah McCarter.

But his lips feel too good. They fit perfectly against mine. My hands, resting on his chest, run up and down. Noah moves even closer to me, and his grip on my hips tightens. Slowly but surely, my resistance begins to crumble because it feels too good. From his muscular chest, I work my way up his neck and intertwine my hands.

---