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He gently threaded his fingers into her hair, softly massaging her scalp. Kiera couldn’t think of anything that had ever felt as incredible as his touch. She inched closer to him, resting her hand on his leg.
“Your head is all better?” he asked, his eyes full of her.
“If you keep doing that, I think everything will be better.” Her mouth turned down. “Except for worrying about Drake and Sarah.”
“I feel awful for Sarah and her family.”
She agreed. Drake was an amazing and responsible young man. He wouldn’t just go wandering off. Had he had an accident or was somebody hurting him? She couldn’t let herself go there or she’d be a mess. People liked to claim she was an innocent light to the world. She hoped she was but her innocence regarding how evil and depraved people could be had been destroyed by the Rindlesbachers years ago. She’d clung to her family and her faith and gotten through but sadly nightmares and fears still rose sometimes.
There wasn’t much to say, as they’d already discussed every angle with Sarah. She cuddled into Mason’s side on the gray leather couch. He ran his hand through her hair, along her neck, and to her back, then held her close.
Neither of them said anything for a few minutes. Kiera savored being close to him and prayed for Sarah and Drake yet again. She felt much better knowing Sutton Smith’s ops were on the case. He was the best of the best regarding security details.
Kiera thought back through the day, all the drama and the good parts as well. She had a lot of questions for this beautiful man holding her.
“Mace …”
“Yes?” He smiled down at her. “I like when you use that nickname.”
She likedhim.
“After I crashed, you used some nicknames,” she reminded him. “You called me sweetheart and love.”
He stiffened and his blue eyes filled with concern. “I did.”
“Then when you were dying to kiss me, you said you couldn’t.” She stared up at him. “Why can’t you kiss me, Mace? It’s obvious you’re head over heels for me.”
He actually smiled, and all the worry and angst over Drake was pushed aside for a minute. “It’s obvious, eh?”
“Oh, yes, my brave bodyguard. Anybody could see your longing for me from a mile around.” She was being bold and brave and hoped it paid off. He could just as easily pull away.
Mason studied her—his look revealed it all. Hewashead over heels for her. This was their moment. She knew it. She felt it, and she could hardly wait to grow closer to Mason emotionally and physically. Her body was flush with anticipation and her very cells felt energized.
The gas fireplace, some lamps, and the lights on the Christmas trees and garlands were on. The mood was romantic, except Josiah might pass through the room at any moment.
Suddenly, Mason released her and stood, pacing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Kiera felt his angst as if it were her own. What kept yanking him away from her?
She stood and leaped easily in front of him. Mason startled and reared back. He looked her over. “Sometimes I forget how quick you can move.”
“As long as you don’t forget that you want to kiss me.”
Mason pushed out a breath and took a step back. Her heart sank.
“You do want to kiss me,” she reiterated, praying she hadn’t read him all wrong. What if he was only being kind because she was the princess? What if she’d made this assignment awkward for him, pushing him too hard? What if he thought she was too young or off limits?
Masonwasdrawn to her. She could easily see and feel that. She’d have to pray whatever he felt for her was deep and alluring enough to break through these barriers and whatever reason he had to not kiss her.
“Kiera,” Mason groaned out her name and his summer sky eyes mesmerized her.
Then he did the last thing she wanted. He took another step back, away from her. Why did he keep moving away from her?
“Wantis not the correct word.” He paused, his gaze tormented with yearning for her. He finally admitted, “I dream about kissing you. I long to kiss you. I fear I’ll never be complete until your lips meet mine and you know how deeply I feel about you.”
Kiera’s eyes widened. All of her many, many longtime dreams were about to be fulfilled. She crossed the distance between them. He thankfully didn’t back away, but his gaze became leery.
Sliding her hands around his neck, she pulled onto her tiptoes and angled her mouth within centimeters of his fascinating lips.
