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Then why did it feel so right when she’s touching my arm?

The hotel hallway was long and quiet and carpeted, the doors all shut, somebody’s room service tray abandoned outside 1112. Their rooms were at the far end. He had never in his life walked this slowly. He didn’t want the night to end.

“Thank you for dinner,” Alli said.

“Thank you for coming to Boston.”

“I’m glad I did. I’m just sorry that you didn’t get any answers.”

No, but he’d found out something about himself. He was an idiot who liked to torture himself.

They were almost in front of the door to her room when she tripped, falling forward straight toward the carpeted floor. His arms reflexively caught her before she landed, pulling her up and close so that they were chest to chest and nose to nose.

For some reason, they were both breathing heavily, too.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I should let go now.

“I am. I think I tripped on some loose carpet. Thanks for catching me.”

She didn’t move, and neither did he. Her palms were flat against his chest, and he was sure she could feel his racing heart.

“Sam…”

She said his name, and it sounded like the most beautiful sigh.

He didn’t know who moved closer first. It might have been him, but it could have been Alli, as well. All he knew was that her lips were soft and plush under his own, and all the reasons he’d had for not doing this didn’t seem all that damn important anymore.

Her hands came up around his neck, and he had her back against the wall between two doors, and there was nothing careful or thought-out about any of it.

If this was mistake number five, well then, bring it on.

Chapter

Sixteen

Her back was against the hallway wall, and Sam’s mouth was on hers. Yet, one small stubborn part of her brain was still standing three feet away with a clipboard, taking notes.

And judging. Lots of self-judgment being served up with a side of conflict. She didn’t just have one little voice in her head; she had two to contend with tonight.

You work for this man. This might not be the smartest thing you’ve ever done.

Shut up and ignore that voice. She’s a total buzzkill.

I’m just trying to keep her from doing something stupid.

Don’t listen to her. She’d have you sitting at home with a bunch of cats if she could.

Alli liked cats, but she was allergic, so becoming a crazy cat lady wasn’t an option, no matter how tempting.

How was she supposed to think clearly when he kissed like he did?

He kissed with his whole being, one hand at her jaw and the other flat against the wall beside her head. He wasn’t rushing either. The asshole was taking his time, probably knowing that he was making her insane with want.

But she could tell that he was in the same boat. She could feel him hard and ready against her hip.

As pleasant and arousing as this was, kissing madly in the corridor of a very posh public hotel probably wasn’t a great move. For all she knew, the halls were monitored by cameras, and they were giving someone a show.