Page 58 of The Holiday Clause
The drive home was quiet, filled only with the hum of the engine and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.
“Tired?”
She turned to watch him as his eyes focused on the road. “A little.”
“When can I see you again?”
“My schedule’s usually the same most days.”
“How about Saturday night?”
That constituted prime real estate, and she wondered if she was making decisions too fast. She also realized Soren wasn’t planning on backing off any time soon. Maybe if she gave in, he’d realize they were better off as friends. They were, weren’t they?
“Sure. Saturday works.” It wasn’t like she had a demanding social calendar to check.
“Great. I’ll make all the arrangements.”
Of course, he would.
When they got to her house, he shut off the car and walked her to the door. She dreaded any awkwardness and worried how far he might go to prove this was a date.
Unlocking the door, she turned to him with uncertainty. “Thank you for a beautiful night and the clothes.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“Well...” Moments like this were so painful. She just wanted to get through it. “Goodnight.” She hugged him, but he caught her hips, then slowly moved his hands up her back, fingers trailing through the silk.
“Goodnight, Wren.”
“Soren…” She feared he wasn’t going to let her get away without a kiss.
“Do I scare you?”
“Of course, not.”
“You’re not trapped here.”
Although he held her intimately, she was free to leave. With an awkward smile, she said, “Well, goodnight then.”
They broke apart, and she took a step, but Soren caught her hand and tugged her back. It was just enough to set her off balance as he backed her into the wall and caged her in with his body.
“Did you honestly think I’d let you get away without a kiss goodnight?”
She sucked in a breath as he gave her a moment of warning, his body radiating heat in the cold night air. Her heart raced as he closed the distance.
“Tell me that you’re not the least bit curious and I’ll stop.” He framed her face with his hands, tucking her hair behind her ears with gentle reverence. “Last chance to push me away, Wren.”
She had plenty of time to tell him no, but she was silent, caught between terror and anticipation.
“Don’t be scared.”
Her breath hitched as soft lips glided over hers. Slow and seductive, teasing her mouth open with practiced skill. It was nothing like Greyson’s hungry, desperate kisses, and she immediately felt guilty for thinking of Greyson at a time like this.
“You’re not kissing me back,” he whispered, as his hand slid into her hair.
Slowly, she traced the tip of her tongue against his, and he groaned, taking control and deepening the kiss. He was measured and deliberate, the kind of kisser who had so much skill one could never get bored.
Enjoying the feel of his mouth on hers, she leaned into him, looping her arms over his shoulders. His hand tightened at her hips as the other threaded through her hair. He kept her on her toes, and when he pulled away, she swayed, warm and slightly disappointed to see it end.
