Page 21 of Harmless Scandals

“No. Just talking about it brings up a lot.”

She looked down at her coffee cup.

“Like what?”

“My mother deemed me a coward for running. For walking away.”

He slipped his finger beneath her chin and urged her to look at him.

“You are not a coward. I was pretty independent at that age, but I am not sure I could have walked out on my own. No family. That’s pretty damned gutsy.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I know all of that, but sometimes, it hits me.”

He nodded.

“You’re easy to talk to.”

“I hear that a lot.”

Even as she heard the change in his tone, she watched him lean forward. He brushed his mouth over hers. Not really a kiss, but she curled her toes against the bare floor.

When he pulled back, her lips were tingling. He dropped his hand.

“What was that for?”

“I thought you needed it.”

She had, but...

“You’re involved with Adam.”

He nodded. “But we’re open with our relationship.”

“Listen, I don’t want to get in between you two.”

He chuckled. “Well…”

“What?”

He shook his head, his smile intact. With ease, he moved away from her and she instantly felt cold.

“No worries. I just wanted you to know that I’m interested.”

“Hmm.” It was the only thing she could say. Her body was still vibrating from the simple kiss. Something told her he knew exactly how to satisfy anyone—man or woman. It was in the way he moved. There was something so earthy and sexual.

“Hey, don’t let it bother you. I was interested in Jillian at one time too, but she became one of our best friends.”

She nodded. “And Adam doesn’t mind this?”

“Adam was interested too.”

She blinked. “What?”

He shook his head.

Irritation crept along her spine. She hated games. “No, you started this.”

He sighed. “Adam is going to kill me. He told me to not say anything just yet.”

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