Page 26 of Impossible Treasure

After who knew how long, she pulled back slightly. The moisture from the waterfall and her cinna-mint lip glossmingled with the taste of Cash. He was warmth, fresh water, and alluring man all mixed together. She’d never experienced anything so romantic as this setting, this man, this kiss.

“Cash,” she murmured, staring up at him.

“Brylee, I …” He swallowed and said almost gruffly, “I love the taste of cinnamon.”

“You, my fine military hero, are going to adore my pumpkin bars.”

He smiled at that, but then he started to ease away from her.

What? No! She refused to let him go.

Pulling herself up closer to him was easy with the water making her weightless. He didn’t resist, so she kissed him again and again and he responded. He more than responded.

Cash took the kisses to heavenly heights, holding her close to his blindingly beautiful chest. The kissing was intense but somehow pure. She’d never imagined kissing could be like this.

The waterfall danced next to them, and their lips danced in exquisite synchrony. It was a salsa dance, that was for certain. No, it was even more passionate and powerful. A tango.

She never wanted this kissing session to end. Sleep didn’t matter. They’d find her million dollars easily. Their kisses would energize them whenever they got tired or discouraged.

Cash broke the kiss.

She whimpered. It was the worst kind of torture to not be kissing him. She’d prefer walking barefoot on Legos.

He released his grip on her and then gently pulled her arms from around his neck. “I apologize, Brylee,” he murmured, releasing her hand and easing back in the water. A foot between them. Now two.

“Apologize?” Her voice pitched up in horror. “Forwhat?”

“For … all of what just happened.” He swirled his hand between them.

“Why would you apologize for that? It was the most perfect, beautiful, and meaningful kissing session I’ve ever had in my life. How could you possibly … apologize?” It was so wrong of him. She felt like her insides were being shredded apart. Did he not feel the joy and light and sparks between them? “No. I do not accept your apology. Take it back,” she demanded, glaring at him. She gave him a two-count and then said, “Now.”

Cash shook his head. Did that mean no?

Brylee would show him an apology. She’d kiss him until he admitted he never wanted to stop.

Folding his well-built arms across his lovely chest, he simply stared at her. His eyes were … tortured. Why? He’d hated kissing her? He had a girlfriend back home? He didn’t like redheads?

“We should get some rest,” he said. His voice was level, but his gaze looked like somebody was poking him with hot coals.

“Rest? No.” She tried to stay brave and not let him escape this moment. She used her Natasha Romanoff voice; Black Widow always gave her a boost of bravery. “I’m in the middle of an interrogation here …” She lifted her eyebrows. “This moron is giving me everything.”

Cash laughed, obviously surprised. He stepped back away from her, unfolded his arms, and splashed water on his face. “Moron is right,” he said softly. “I’m so sorry, Brylee.”

“Please don’t do this.”

“This?”

“Back away, apologize, act like those kisses weren’t the most fabulous kisses in the history of mankind. Act like you’re not interested in me.” She’d put it all out there, even though she was terrified.

His mouth, his face, his posture, everything about him looked as soft as she’d seen him look. Soft and approachable and like the only desire the enticing man standing in front of her had right now was to kiss her all over again.

Then the softness evaporated like the spray from the waterfall. His jaw tightened. He folded his arms across his chest again and he said in a gravelly, painful-sounding voice, “Brylee, believe me when I tell you we would never work.”

He paused as if he knew how hard that would hit.

It did. Her breath rushed out and her body went cold. A future of kissing, teasing with, being protected by, and someday loving this beautiful man rushed out with her breath. Their future had fallen off the top of the waterfall and shattered on the mossy rocks bordering the pool they stood in.

Why couldn’t they work? He didn’t even attempt an explanation.

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