She leapt up, furious and mortified, ready to storm out.
But she forgot she was sitting on a bed.
Her foot caught. She lost her balance and fell backward.
I moved fast, grabbing her and pulling her back.
Too hard.
Momentum sent her crashing into me.
I tightened my arms, locking her against me.
The distance between us vanished.
Her hands pressed against my chest. That soaked shirt plastered against my robe. I could feel her heart hammering. Feel the shocking heat of her skin.
I bent my head slightly.
One more inch and my lips would crush against her parted mouth.
She looked up at me. Those blue eyes filled with panic, shock, and something hazy she hadn't even noticed herself. Her lashes trembled violently. Her breath fanned hot against my jaw.
"Vivienne..." My voice came out wrecked, my hand on her waist tightening involuntarily, wanting to pull her deeper into me.
She stared at me. Her eyes went unfocused for a heartbeat.
In that last second before the paper-thin thread of control burned away completely, before my lips descended—
She snapped back to reality.
"I-I forgot my notebook!"
She shoved me away like I'd burned her. Like a startled rabbit, she stumbled around me and bolted for the door.
The door crashed shut.
I leaned back against the headboard, staring at the still-trembling door, and exhaled slowly.
Her scent lingered in the air—faint body wash and something uniquely her.
I looked down at my thoroughly disheveled robe, at what I couldn't possibly hide after that embrace.
Fuck.
Hard again.
I closed my eyes, fingers pressing against my temples.
This woman really was going to kill me.
And I was enjoying every goddamn second of it.
Chapter Twelve
Vivienne
I sat by the window in my room, staring at the cold coffee in my hand.
