Page 62 of Tempting the Heart

Tyler shook his head and ran his palm along his jaw. “Things aren’t always as they seem.”

“But you’d sleep with her.”

“Not ever.”

“Then why did you go out with her?” I asked.

“I thought she wanted to talk about my dad.” He smiled. “She had more on her mind.”

“It’s not like you’re not single.” I looked away and hugged myself for no apparent reason.

“But I’m kind of hung up on someone,” he said, touching my chin softly and turning my face back to him. “And I’m about to do something that will get me in big trouble with your brother.”

I refused to let my nerves get the better of me.

“Unless you’re kissing Brad, I don’t think he should have a say in things.”

Tyler nodded, taking a step forward. “I agree.”

His one hand slid along the base of my neck as his other moved along my waist, pressing me against him as my breath caught.

The energy running between us strengthened with every passing second. The surge of emotion I’d been bottling up felt like it was ready to burst out and consume me.

Tyler took a deep breath as I thought about our very first kiss.

The treehouse.

The innocence.

The challenge.

The passion.

The fumbles.

I closed my eyes and smiled.

“Do you remember what you asked me in the treehouse?” I asked quietly.

Opening my eyes, I saw mischief flicker through Tyler’s eyes as he nodded.

“You mean after the dare?”

I grinned, remembering the challenge I threw in his direction, hoping he’d take me up on it.

“I remember every single thing about that moment.” He nodded, keeping the space between us tight.

My eyes stayed locked on his. “What did you ask?”

“I asked if I could kiss you.” He sucked briefly on his bottom lip and smiled.

“And what did I say?”

“You said yes.” Tyler shook his head. “I almost lost my courage that night, but the moment our eyes met, I couldn’t bear to leave without just one kiss.”

His words made my entire body warm. Everything about that night came pummeling through me. Tyler didn’t just kiss me. We'd explored each other—his hands roaming my hips, my hands running along his chest while I looked at him for approval.

My first kiss with the boy I’d had a crush on for years.

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