Page 73 of Before the Night Falls
Olivia was the one who’d shown him so much.
He’d been so caught up with work that he’d neglected everything else. But Olivia had reminded him what it was like to live—to truly live.
She’d also reminded him about the uncertainties of life. How in an instant, everything could change.
Agreeing to do this project with Olivia had been one of the best decisions he’d ever made.
Olivia wasn’t like Claire. She wasn’t the jealous type.
She understood his passion for this place.
And as Olivia turned around, her gaze meeting his, he realized that all he wanted to do was kiss her.
But was that really a risk he should take?
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN
A flashof lightning illuminated the cave for a breathtaking moment. In the dimness that followed, Olivia felt Tyson’s hand gently brush a damp strand of hair from her cheek.
“Olivia,” he whispered.
Something in his voice made her heart quicken.
She turned fully toward him as another lightning flash brightened the cave.
Their eyes met, and everything—the assignment that led her here, the dangers she’d been facing—all faded.
Without hesitation, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them.
Tyson’s lips met hers with surprising tenderness. The kiss was gentle and questioning at first. But it deepened as she responded.
The taste of mountain air and rainwater lingered on Tyson’s lips.
For a perfect moment, there was only the warmth of his touch against the cool cave air. The steady drum of rain that created a private world where nothing existed beyond the two of them.
Olivia didn’t want the moment to end.
They finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless.
Thunder rumbled in the distance—no longer threatening, but somehow a perfect accompaniment to the moment they’d just shared.
A goofy smile spread across her lips. “Did you plan on doing that?”
Tyson caressed her arms. “No, I didn’t. But I also didn’t plan on having feelings for you.”
They smiled at each other again, breathing in the moment.
Eventually, the pitter-patter stopped, and the rain dripped away. Tyson loosened his hold on her and shifted his weight. His hands slid to her shoulders, and he rubbed them.
“Ready to get out of here?” he asked.
“You have to ask?”
Maybe everything would be okay, Olivia told herself. Just maybe.
* * *
Tyson and Olivia climbed out of the cave and stood on the wet ground.
