Page 121 of Crossing Every Line

“Merry Christmas if I don’t get to see you.”

Brandon looked over her head at Shane, then quickly back at Kendall. “My sister’s having a Christmas Eve party if you’re interested.”

“I’ve got a few families coming in at the B and B. I’m sorry I’ll miss it.”

“Me too.”

Unable to watch the man make cow eyes at her any longer, Shane came up next to her. “We’re losing daylight, Sunshine.”

Kendall fumbled the wreath, and Shane caught it. She peered up at him with wide, dark eyes, then blinked and turned back to Brandon. “I’ve got to get back. Thanks for keeping that beautiful tree for me.”

“Always.”

Kendall smiled. “I’ll see you soon.” She turned to follow Shane, her eyebrows knit together.

She didn’t say a word as he loaded the wreath in beside the tree and slammed the tailgate closed. Just kept frowning.

“What?”

“You called me— Never mind.”

He frowned down at her. “Called you what?”

She folded her arms over her chest. “Nothing.”

He stepped closer until they were toe to toe. “Called you what?”

“Obviously you didn’t mean to since you don’t remember.”

Confused, he took his hands out of his pockets. “Remember what?”

“It’s not important.”

“It is if you’re reacting like this.”

“Sunshine,” she said on an agitated breath. “You called me Sunshine, and you haven’t called me that since we got back.”

Had he? He didn’t remember doing it.

“Not babe, not Sunshine, not even a hey-you—just Kendall.”

He stuffed his hands back into his pockets. “That’s your name.”

She made a disgusted grunt and rounded the truck to the passenger side.

He followed her and slapped his hand against the door before she could open it. Frustrated by his jealousy, by the feelings she stirred in him, by the distance between them because of the Heron, he crowded in on her. She flattened herself against the panel, her chest rising and her eyes dilated.

“Christ, Sunshine, you make me fucking nuts.”

Then he slammed his mouth over hers. She drew a deep breath in through her nose, and he took advantage, opening her wide for a deep and driving kiss. She clung to him, her breasts smashed to his chest, making enough room to get his arm around her back and lift her onto her toes.

She was addictive, and he’d been jonesing for her. Even if he’d had her the day before, it wasn’t enough. He turned his lips away, pressing his cheek to hers as they both dragged in deep breaths.

He set her on her feet and backed away from her. Her taste lingered on his tongue, infused his blood, and infected him. He wasn’t sure he wanted a cure. He still wasn’t convinced the Heron would be fiscally feasible to keep. It was hard to reconcile his need for her and his disappointment.

Kendall wasn’t the type to deceive, but she wasn’t going to want to let go of the B and B either. Being angry with her was exhausting and frustrating. Double time on the frustration, both with their situation and how much he missed her touch.

“We need to get to the market.”

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