Page 100 of Buried Too Deep

“Out of the frying pan, into the fire.”

“Exactly.”

“But you’re going back to see them?”

“On Christmas, yes. Even if I’m not perfect. I’ve got nine days. What are my chances of achieving perfection?”

She smiled up at him. “I’d bet on you.”

Her smile…It warmed him like no blanket ever could. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her face. She was beautiful just like this, with her hair messy and her eyes a little red from crying. Because she was staring up at him, too.

As the seconds ticked by, the air between them grew charged, waiting for something to happen. Her eyes were no longer filled with anger and pain. There was heat there. Heat and want, and Phin’s heart was pounding so hard it was all he could hear.

She wanted him, too.

Her smile faltered, becoming tentative, but the desire remained. “Phin?”

He couldn’t manage a single word, so he brushed the wayward curls from her face, trailing his fingertips over her cheek.

She leaned into his hand, keeping her gaze on his. One of her hands emerged from the blankets to curve around his neck and he froze.

Her brows lifted. “Phin? You still with me?”

He could only nod.

Her lips curved. “I’m going to kiss you now. Blink once for yes, that’s okay, and twice for no, don’t do it.”

Phin laughed, his brain and his mouth suddenly cooperating once again. “Yes. Please.”

“So polite.” She tugged him down and her lips were on his.

Sweet. So sweet. And soft and…

It was over too soon so he took charge, running his fingers into her hair and taking her mouth again. Better, even better.

It had been so long since he’d done this. Since he’d kissed someone.

So long since he’d let someone this close.

He wanted her closer.

He wanted so much more.

But not tonight. Not here, out in the hallway on the floor with Molly downstairs standing guard.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. For a long time they said nothing. Just breathed.

And then the high of kissing her ebbed, and the doubts kicked in. This was insane. She didn’t deserve a broken man. She deserved a perfect man.

At least one more perfect than me.

She pulled away to study him, her brow furrowing. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop. I’m not sorry.”

He sighed. “You should be.”

Her jaw tightened, her expression the stubborn one he was quickly coming to know. “You don’t get to tell me that. I like you. A lot. I think you’re sweet. And you’re a very good kisser.”

His cheeks heated. “Out of practice,” he muttered, looking away.

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