Page 35 of Devlin

"That's fair. I do recognize that you're an individual, Devlin."

"Good. Because when I kiss you again, I want you to know who you're kissing."

A shiver ran through her, not only at his words, but also the look in his eyes. "Ididn't say you could kiss me again."

And suddenly the Devlin grin was back. "You didn't say I couldn't. Last chance."

He might have foreshadowed his intent, but there wasn't enough time to say no or to pull away… At least, that's what she told herself when he kissed her, and she kissed him back.

These kisses were different from the ones they'd exchanged on the boat. They werefilled with emotion, with a feeling of connectedness, with a desire to bring Devlin out of the pain he'd just gotten lost in. And when they broke apart, she felt more than a little shaken by the depth of her desire. She wanted this man, and she didn't know what to do about it. Their relationship was so complicated. Part of her still wanted to hate him on her father's behalf, but the bigger partof her wanted to explore the unbelievable chemistry between them.

"Hannah?" he questioned.

"You should take me home." When he made no move to start the car, she added, "Maybe now."

"What are you afraid of?"

"Right now—myself," she said candidly.

"I'm glad you didn't say you were afraid of me."

"I don't like how you make me feel, Devlin."

"How doI make you feel?"

"Wild, reckless, impulsive…"

"And those are bad things?" he said, a sexy smile curving his lips.

"I was in a year-long relationship until six months ago."

"That's right, the three-day engagement. What happened with that?"

"He panicked. After I said yes, he started wondering if he was doing the right thing. He decided to talk to his ex-girlfriendone last time."

"That's not good."

"No, it wasn't. He went back to her. He said he was doing me a favor; that I should find someone who could put me first. That's what I deserved."

"It is what you deserve."

"But not so easy to find. Anyway, I'm not really looking to get involved with anyone. I want to be on my own for a while."

"I'm not looking for a relationship,either," he returned. "But we could have fun."

"We probably could. But from past experience, I can say that I don't like the part when the fun ends. I'm not ready to do it again. So, why don't you take me home?"

He slowly nodded. "All right." He started the engine, and they drove to her dad's house in silence.

She didn't know what to say. Devlin seemed to have run out of wordsas well.

"Doesn't look like Frank is home," he finally said, turning in to her empty driveway.

"He'll be back soon."

"After he finishes trying to work a miracle on Howard Palmer's boat?"

She smiled. "I never said it was Mr. Palmer's boat."

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