Page 12 of Her Wild Coast Refuge

The man’s kind brown eyes take on a playful gleam. He laughs, and it sounds genuine, which makes me smile.

Our gazes lock, and the moment turns supercharged. This guy doesn’t even know me, yet he’s playing along. I start laughing too because this might be the silliest way to turn a stranger into an ally.

Hayden’s jeep passes, but I’m no longer worried about a confrontation. Relief drops through me as another sensation builds. It’s electric, and enticing.

As if reading my mind, the man caresses my face, his touch tender, like he wants to take his time. I drink in his confidence, even as my tummy flutters. I don’t know what’s happening, only that I need it to.

Slowly, he leans down. I close my eyes. The kiss starts soft, almost sweet. His lips are smooth and warm. He caresses down to the nape of my neck, beneath my hair, stroking with his thumbs. My belly warms and the base of my spine tingles.

Caught in the spell of this sensational kiss, I reach for his waist to steady me.

It’s like dancing in the sunshine after weeks of rain. It’s like a roller coaster ride, the wind cooling my cheeks and my stomach whooshing to my toes.

I kiss him back, my grip on his belt like a lifeline. His tongue flicks against my lip. It’s so playful that I smile. I tease him back, and he smiles too. Then our tongues touch, gently, then again, this time in a sensual little tangle, like he’s been waiting all night to kiss me like this.

When we finally part, his lips lingering on mine, I blink my eyes open, but the sweet feeling lingers, like I’m coming out of a dream.

Hayden’s jeep is gone. I release a slow breath. “Thank you.”

Still watching me with that same playful, kind gaze, he smiles. “Happy to do it again sometime.”

I laugh, which loosens the last of the knot inside my chest. “I should get home.”

“You want company?”

Flutters erupt in my core as I relive our kiss. “No,” I manage.

“I meant on the way.” His tone is caring, but insistent.

I glance at the front door of the Pelican. “What about your friend?”

He arches an eyebrow, making him look even more handsome. “You want me to invite him?”

“No!” I say with a laugh. “I’m only going a few blocks.”

“I’ll walk with you.”

Is this guy for real? “Really, it’s—”

“It’s that or I steal a car so I can drive you.” With one final spin of my bike lock, he tugs it open.

“You’d steal a car?”

“If that’s what it takes to get you home safe.”

Either this is the most creative pickup line ever or he’s the last gentleman on the planet. Both possibilities are unsettling.

“My brother is a cop and not someone you want to mess with,” I say. “We’ll walk.”

“Lead the way.”

I extend my hand. “Lexie.”

“Quinn,” he says as we shake. Just like when he cradled my face, his palm is smooth and warm against mine. Not rough or calloused like a fisherman’s.

I roll my bike to the street and Quinn falls in next to me.

“Are you really looking for a fishing guide?” I ask.

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