Page 237 of Silent Target

He learned that lesson before I did.

His hand remains against my cheek.

The air changes.

There are no bullets forcing us together now.

No mission.

No excuse.

Only Caleb.

Only me.

Only the truth we’ve both avoided because wanting something makes it possible to lose.

His gaze drops to my mouth.

My breath catches.

“Caleb.”

He leans closer.

Then stops.

Close enough that his breath warms my lips.

“Tell me to stop.”

I place my hand over his heart.

“No.”

His eyes search mine.

“I don’t want you to stop.”

He kisses me.

Slowly.

Carefully.

As though I’m something precious rather than fragile.

The first touch of his mouth is tender.

The second holds everything he has refused to say.

Fear.

Relief.

Hunger.

The promise of all the days after.