Page 44 of Stalkers Anonymous

So much for not being obvious.

He closes the little remaining distance between us, his lips crashing into mine with a desperate hunger, and the world narrows to just this moment. The warmth of his mouth, the gentle pressure of his hands, his taste—new and delicious and full of heat.

The kiss deepens. I wrap my arms around his neck, needing him closer, and he responds by backing me against the door. One of his hands slides into my hair while the other drops to my waist, and I make a sound against his mouth that I’m not entirely proud of.

He breaks away just long enough to trail kisses along my jaw, down to my neck, and I tilt my head to give him better access. My fingers tangle in his hair, and he lets out a low, pleased growl in response.

“Hailey,” he breathes against my skin, and the way he says my name makes my legs nearly buckle.

I pull him back to my mouth, kissing him with all the pent-up energy from the past few days.

His hands roam, one sliding down my back, the other still tangled in my hair. I’m pressed between him and the door, feeling the solid strength of his body against mine, and I’ve never wanted anyone this badly.

Then something small and furry scurries up my leg, ripping me from the moment.

“Oh my god, Chewy!” I gasp and laugh at the same time, breaking the kiss.

Cole jerks back slightly, confused, until he sees my ferret using me as a ladder. And then Chewy launches himself onto Cole’s shoulder, showing off his tiny acrobat skills.

Cole’s eyes widen and he freezes, going completely still as Chewy perches on his shoulder like a pirate’s parrot, chittering happily. “Is he… Is he okay up there?”

I can’t help it. I start laughing. Full-body, doubled-over laughing at the sight of this intense, protective man standing frozen in my entryway with a ferret on his shoulder.

“He likes you,” I manage between giggles. “He doesn’t usually warm up to people this fast.”

“That’s…good?” Cole’s lips twitch, fighting a smile. “Though his timing could use some work.”

“He’s very friendly.” I move closer, reaching up to scoop Chewy off Cole’s shoulder. He squirms in my arms, trying to get back to his new favorite person. “And apparently very committed to protecting my virtue. He’s like a very small, very fuzzy nun.”

“Ahh,” Cole grins, his smile finally breaking through. “A Catholic ferret. I’ve heard they’re a rare breed.”

“Extremely hard to find.” I hold Chewy against my chest, stroking his soft fur. “Next time, I’ll have to make sure he can’t interrupt.”

“Next time,” he agrees, his eyes dark with promise. “Definitely.”

He reaches out, running his thumb along my lower lip, and the gentle touch sends sparks through my entire body. He leans in, and I close my eyes as he presses a kiss to my forehead. “I should actually go this time. Before Chewy realizes I’m having very impure thoughts about his human. Plus, I have reports to finish before I go into work tomorrow morning.”

He bends to pick up his duffel bag while I let myself wonder what exactly those impure thoughts entail. He pauses at the door. “Text me if you have any questions about the system. Or if anything seems off. Or if—”

“Cole.” I shift Chewy to one arm so I can touch Cole’s face again. “I’ll be fine. You gave me a fortress. Literally.”

“I know. I just…” He trails off, that broken look crossing his face again. “Be safe, okay?”

“I will. Promise.”

He leans in, pressing one more soft kiss to my lips. It’s brief but sweet, and it’s exactly what I need. “Good night, Hailey.”

“It’s not even seven.”

“Then good evening.” He grins, the dimples bracketing his mouth giving his face a boyish charm. “I’ll text you later. Oh, and I’ve been in touch with Jack about skydiving. He’s available this week if you still want to go.”

Still want to go? There’s literally nothing I’d rather do than go jump out of a plane with a gorgeous man strapped to my back while I take in the fall colors painted across the mountains.

“I definitely want to go. Just let me know when, and I’ll be there.”

“Perfect.” He winks before turning away.

I watch him walk down the hallway toward the elevator, and only when he’s out of sight do I finally close the door and lock it—with my new smart lock.