Page 28 of Montana's Bravest

I’m definitely home now in his embrace. I pout. “You were about to?—”

As if fearing more interruptions, he swings into action without letting me finish. He shows no shyness when his lips find mine. The contact is swift and fiery. With every passionate press, he reaffirms his desire:I want you.

The muscles in my stomach tighten as the tip of his tongue slides into my mouth. Wiry scruff around his chin brushes my skin, reminding me that sexy and danger can certainly go hand-in-hand. Samuel Kelleher—former SEAL, protector, and rumored to have once danced in the rings of professional fighters. Those are just footnotes to the man who stands before me. He melts my heart like a flame on candles, and his profession has got nothing to do with it.

When he presses my hip toward him possessively, I know he’s the type that doesn’t hold back.

It’s fucking irresistible.

Because in fact, I am also the type that doesn’t hold back.

My hands coast down to his butt cheeks and squeeze those sinful pair of mounds stretching his denim. Damn… they’re as great to handle as they are to admire.

Now his hard-on has become too stubborn to ignore. And God help me, while I keep up with his vigor in the kiss department, my fingers voluntarily play with the fly of his jeans, acknowledging his want.

What woman doesn’t want to do it with a man like Sam?

My own thoughts distract me. If I didn’t have a past, I wouldn’t have asked the question.

“Oh, my,” I sigh as I break the kiss.

Sam catches his breath. “What is it?”

There’s a reason why I don’t let men in. I can’t afford to risk my life crumbling again—I’ve worked so hard to rebuild it since my asshole ex-husband decided to live a double life.

I know Sam is different… IthinkSam is different.

What if I’m wrong?

Even if I’m right about Sam’s heart, being with him will still break the one rule I’ve sworn to keep. He may not be in the military anymore, but the possibility that he might not come home after an assignment is very real.

“I’d better go,” I say.

He cocks his head, begging, “Please stay.” He then pauses for a moment, fishing for an answer from me. “Or is there a Mr. Winter that I should be worried about?”

I’ve ditched my married name. Sam shouldn’t be worried about my ex-husband, butIshould—if and when the time comes. I’m adamant that my ex is currently not an imminentthreat, but Sam’s question makes me want him to feel on edge. So I straighten myself. “As a matter of fact, there is.”

He loosens his hold on me, leaning back as if apologizing.

“Mr. Ben Winter.”

Sam presses his lips.

“My brother.”

He releases a sigh of relief. He even slumps forward, as if he had just escaped punishment.

“He’ll kick your ass if you do something stupid.” I maintain a straight face, even though I’m enjoying teasing Mr. Gray Diamond. My brother is a Taekwondo master, and I wouldn’t ever want to see the two engage in a fight.

“Point taken,” he says, stepping forward, restoring his hold on me and our no-distance position.

“Come on, Sam. If I was married, I wouldn’t have let you kiss me. I’m not that kind of woman.”

I really should go. I should insist. But for the first time in my life, I’m losing a battle of wills with a man. I can’t just have that one kiss tonight—I want more!

And he’s not helping. He caresses my cheek while his other hand rubs the small of my back. His persuasive touch stamps out all resistance within me. I should enjoy this moment and stop analyzing what could be—tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year. Tonight, I allow myself to admit defeat.

“Please stay,” Sam repeats, just as I’m about to make up my mind.

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