Page 65 of Dreaming of You

"That's the one."

"I was trying to lighten the mood."

"I know, and I had no sense of humor that night. Cupid's arrow might bring love but is it ever worth the trouble? The pain? The problems? The inevitable ending?"

"It's not inevitable. Look at my grandparents."

"Maybe they're the exception to the rule. Look at your parents—at my parents."

"We do come from screwed-up families," she admitted.

"Makes me wonder how we turned out so well," he said lightly.

She met his smile with one of her own. "Good question."

He turned at her street and slowed down, searching for a parking spot.

"You can just drop me off," she said.

"No, I'll walk you up." He pulled over just down the block from her building.

She licked her lips, wondering what would happen at her door.

Should she ask him in? Suggest coffee? But where would that lead? And if it led where she thought, was she ready to go there? They'd been flirting with the line between friends, associates, tenants…should she cross that line, obliterate it altogether?

Barrett didn't say anything as they made their way into her building and up the stairs to her apartment. He waited while she unlocked the door and pushed it open. She stepped inside and turned on the light. He hovered in the doorway.

"Everything good?" he asked, his gaze scanning the room.

She nodded. "Yes."

"I guess I'll go then."

"That's probably best," she said. "We both have a lot of work this week. We'll touch base about the shower in a few days."

"That sounds good. If you change your mind about me coming—"

"I won't," she said, wishing the shower was tomorrow, because that would give her an excuse to see him again. Next Friday seemed like a long time to wait.

"Okay."

He stepped forward, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. Her heart sped up.

"I'm going to need my coat," he said.

"Oh, yes, of course," she said.

"But first…" He stopped her as she started to take off his coat.

She caught her breath at the purposeful look in his eyes. She felt like she was sixteen again, ridiculously nervous about what would be a simple good night kiss.

But when his mouth covered hers, there was nothing simple about it.

There was heat and desire and a deep-gutted yearning for more. Their lips clung together as he pulled her up against his chest, as the kiss between them belied all the lies they'd told themselves about their barely there friendship.

She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him back for another kiss, until they finally had to take a breath.

Barrett's green eyes were glittering with fire, his breath ragged and hot, and her heart beat even faster. She wanted this man. But…

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