Page 54 of That Rush

“I kiss you.”

Her lips curve. “Then stop talking.”

I settle one hand against her waist, and Paige closes the remaining distance herself.

The first touch of her mouth wipes every smart answer from my head.

I intended to take my time. One kiss, slow enough to learn what she likes.

Then she grips the front of my shirt and kisses me back.

Her mouth opens under mine, soft and warm, and the restraint I brought into this cabin takes its first direct hit. I slide my hand around her back and pull her against me. She makes a quiet sound that hits deep in my chest, then rises onto her toes straining for another inch of contact.

I angle her head and deepen the kiss.

Paige’s fingers tighten in my shirt. She told me adults can kiss without making it mean anything, yet she shivers when my tongue strokes hers. I want to learn every reaction she cannot explain away.

I ease back enough to look at her.

Her lips are flushed. Her breathing is uneven, and her eyes have gone dark.

Her voice is unsteady. “That was one kiss.”

“It was.”

“I thought you came here to compete.”

“I’m pacing myself.”

“Against a paperback?”

“Against your expectations.”

Paige releases my shirt only to slide both hands up my chest. “I expected you to be bossier.”

“You want bossy?”

“I’m conducting research.”

I catch her chin between my fingers. “Careful, Paige.”

Her breath hitches, but her chin lifts. “Is that the best warning you have?”

“No.” I brush my thumb across her lower lip. “It’s the polite one.”

She catches the tip of my thumb between her teeth.

My hand tightens at her waist.

I kiss her again, harder this time. She answers with a hunger of her own, her hands sliding into my hair as I back her out of the kitchen. The edge of the sofa catches behind her knees, and she drops onto the cushions with a startled laugh.

I follow her down, bracing one hand beside her shoulder.

“You planned that,” she accuses.

“I didn’t choose where you put the furniture.”

“You mapped this whole place in thirty seconds.”