Brian whipped his gaze to Katie, “You invited him?”

Katie tipped up her chin, “Yes, he isn’t afraid to be around me. Unlike some people who…”

She broke off when Brian moved close and snatched her against his chest.

His voice was low and gravelly. “I am not afraid to be around you.”

Katie scoffed, “I haven’t seen you all week, Brian. You were hiding from me.”

He gritted his teeth but didn’t say anything.

“Look, I am tired of the runaround. If you don’t like me, that’s fine.”

“Don’t like you?” Brian’s tone was incredulous. “The last time I liked you, we spent the evening in the emergency room with this douchebag.”

Katie winced, “That was an unfortunate accident.”

“My dick hasn’t gotten any smaller,” he roared.

Katie’s cheeks were a deep pink when she replied, “That isn’t a bad thing.”

Dr. Young cleared his throat from behind them, “Katie, do you need any help?”

Brian growled at him.

“I was asking Katie.” Dr. Young held his ground.

“Thank you, Trevor. I think I’m good right now,” she said in a rush.

“I think I am going to take off. Let me know if you need anything,” Dr. Young’s footsteps could be heard behind her as he left her yard.

“I don’t like him,” Brian said, his eyes burning down into hers. “But I do like you, very much, too much. I am not boyfriend material.”

Katie frowned, “That’s bullshit. Why? Would you cheat on me? Lie to me?”

Brian’s nostrils flared. “I would never cheat on you. But I might lie to protect you. My job is dangerous and…”

Katie cut him off, “Yeah, and I am a cop. Granted, this town is pretty sleepy, but still, anything could happen at any time to either of us. You either want something with me, or you don’t.”

“I want something,” his low words shocked the hell out of Katie.

“What?” she whispered.

“I am probably all wrong for you,” he continued. “But I care about you, Katie, so damn much.”

And then he kissed her.

25

Katie could hardly breathe. Brian was kissing her! Brian was kissing the ever-loving snot out of her on the front lawn! Her body was smashed against his, and her mouth was pressed tightly against his as their tongues battled for dominance.

His hand was firmly parked on her ass, and she loved the way his entire palm cupped her tightly. Everything about Brian was intense, including his kisses. He wasn’t careful or soft. Brian kissed her like a man that was starving, and she was the last glass of water.

She felt her legs lift off the ground, but she didn’t care. All Katie did was wrap them around his waist and continue to kiss the man as he made his way toward her garage. He moved to the front of her cruiser and laid her on the hood.

“Tell me to leave,” he demanded.

Katie’s legs fell to the side, and her shirt was shoved up, exposing more of the pale skin on her stomach. She reached up, wrenching the shirt over her head, and then in a move that shocked both of them, she undid the clasp of her bra.