Page 366 of Sweet Royal Romance Suspense

“For sure, but if it distracts your attacker and gives you a way to escape, it’s worth it. I guess you could also pretend … I’ve seen it work in a few cases … No, sorry. I hate that idea.” His voice trailed off and his gaze dropped to her lips and fastened there.

She eased closer. Her gaze met his and she could see—he wanted to be with her. He’d been denying himself these past few days, and it had been torture for him like it had been for her.

Her heart thumped out of control, and not because of their topic of discussion. “Pretend what?”

He swallowed and shook his head. “Sometimes it’s worked for a woman to pretend they’re interested in a man, get in close, kiss him, and bite his lip or tongue or head butt him, but … I don’t think you should do that.”

“The thought of me kissing another man bothers you?”

He jolted and released her, stepping back to push his hand through his hair. “Yes, it does,” he admitted.

“Jensen?” She pulled the edge of her lower lip between her teeth.

His gaze dropped to her lips, and he blew out a heavy breath. It was a few seconds before he met her gaze and asked, “Yes?”

She wasn’t sure where to start, how to break through to him and let him know how interested she was. “I know you’ve been extremely busy, but I can’t help but feel that you’re avoiding me.”

He studied her but didn’t speak.

Brave. Be brave.

“Is it something I’ve done?” she asked.

“Something you’ve done? Ah, Livvy.” Jensen stepped back in, his strong chest brushing hers. “Livvy, no. I’m trying to keep my distance.”

“Why?”

“I have been for years, wanting to be professional, but with Treven escaping, catching him has to be my focus. Since you’ve been here, it’s become evident to me that you consume me, Livvy. When you’re close, you’re all I can think about.”

Her heart threatened to race out of control at those beautiful words. “You’re all I think about when you’re close, and when we’re apart.”

“I’m the same, but Livvy… I can’t be consumed with you and get distracted. Did I distract you when you took that first shot outside?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“I have to catch Treven and Naomi. I have to keep you safe. Keeping an emotional distance isn’t some arbitrary rule in my line of work. It keeps people alive. Do you understand why I have to keep my distance so I don’t make a mistake?”

“But for the second shot, you steadied me with your arms around me. How can I steady you?”

His eyebrows rose, and he lifted his hands. “Pray for me, Livvy, and tell me I have a chance to date you after this is all over.”

Her heart pounded as hope filled her. “You have more than a chance. I don’t want to distract you, Jensen. I just needed to know if you cared.”

He let out a breath of disbelief and wrapped her up tight in his beautiful arms. “I apologize if I left you thinking I didn’t care. You’re all I want to care about, all I want to focus on. Which means I need to keep my head on straight so you can be safe and free from Treven. Free to decide what you want to do, who you want to date.” He winced slightly, as if he didn’t like the thought of her dating anyone else. She knew the feeling. “I want you free to have the life you deserve, performing, traveling, whatever you want, Livvy. That’s what I want for you.”

“You,” she said fiercely, sliding her arms around his neck and pulling his head down toward hers. “I’ve performed and traveled and I loved it, but you are all I want, Jensen. I want to date you, play the piano for you, kiss you, be with you nonstop.”

He grinned, and it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, prettier than any view outside his windows. “Sadly, I can’t take you on fabulous dates yet. I can’t be with you nonstop until Treven is behind bars again and unable to threaten you, but I love hearing you play the piano and I think I could spare a few minutes to kiss you.”

“Only a few minutes?” She pulled the side of her bottom lip between her teeth.

Jensen let out a husky groan and held her so tight she could hardly breathe. She loved it. “Okay, more than a few.”

Then he kissed her. The music started in her head, and she floated in Jensen’s arms. Their lips melded together like nobody could ever pull them apart. She knew all too soon his phone would ring or Lieutenant Yost would rap on the door, but at the moment she was focused right where she wanted to be. Jensen cared for her. He wanted her, and his kiss promised joy and safety she’d never thought possible.

Jensen was the right man for her.

He even made her believe that someday she’d be free of Treven.

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