Page 53 of That One Heartbreak

“I have some self-control,” Marley said mildly. “I’m just bringing food over to spend time with you. As a friend. That’s all.”

“Is that what you are?” she asked him. “A friend?”

He nodded his head at the office door behind her. “Anybody in there?”

“No.” She only used the office when there was somebody else working the counter. Otherwise, it stayed stubbornly empty.

“Good.” Without saying another word, he walked around the counter and took her hand in one of his, using the other to push open the office door.

“What are we doing?” she asked him, a smile playing on her lips as he closed the door firmly behind them. Truth be told, just having her hand in his was making her feel a little giddy. He was so warm, so strong.

He still hadn’t said anything. Letting go of her hand, he cupped her face with his palm. Then he leaned in, his lips so warm and soft against hers that it made her thighs contract with need.

He wasn’t desperate this time. It was sweet and tender. She felt like she was about to swoon.

“Does that feel like a kiss from a friend?” he asked her when he pulled away, his voice thick.

“No,” she breathed. And dammit, she wanted him to kiss her again. If she wasn’t at work she’d have wanted more. So much more.

She just wasn’t sure the Hartson’s Creek Memorial Library was ready for that kind of fire.

“Right answer.” There was a smirk playing on his lips. “What time shall I come over on Friday?”

Kate let out a long breath. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea. The kids… they’re not always on their best behavior at the end of the week.”

“Nor am I.” He winked at her. “And I’m not coming over to see them on their best behavior. I’m coming over to see them and you. As you are. And that’s how I want you to be.”

“You’re coming over to see the kids?” she asked, because was this man for real? He’d seen Addy throw a fit. He’d seen Ethan get upset over a t-shirt. Damn, he’d even brought James home drunk from a party.

She loved her kids, she really did. But they weren’t always the best company.

He leaned down to kiss her jaw. “Kate, your kids are part of the package. I like them. I enjoy their company.” He kissed her throat and it sent a shiver down her spine. “I like their mom even more.”

Somebody hit the bell on the front counter, the sharp trill making her jump. “I have to go,” she told him, reluctance pulling at her chest.

“Then go.” He nodded at the door.

“Can you…”

“I won’t let them see me. In fact, I’m just gonna climb out of that window,” he said, nodding at the glass on the far side of the wall. “Nobody will ever know I was here, I promise.”

The bell rang again. Whoever was looking for assistance was getting tetchy. “What are you, fifteen?”

“Nope. I’m a firefighter. I’ll see you on Friday, Princess.”

“Princess?” She shook her head. Nobody had ever called her that.

“Whatever that woman who threw her hair out of the window was.”

“Rapunzel.”

“She’s a princess, right?”

Kate blinked. Was she? She couldn’t remember. Addy loved the movie, though.

And then the bell rang for a third time, and she had to go.

Chapter

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