“Then why doesn’t anybody know about it?”
“Because I’m the son of aNew York Timesbestseller who’s been a force in the industry for decades. By the time I was born she was already highly acclaimed. I could have instant access to agents and publishers. My work would be taken seriously from the minute it crossed somebody’s desk.”
“Most writers would kill for that opportunity.”
“Not if they stopped to think about it. Oh, I could probably get published by a major house, probably even hers, but I’d never know if it was my writing or my mother’s influence that got me there.”
“I see.” She sipped her hot chocolate and went back to admiring the scenery.
He was dying to ask her opinion of what she’d read, but he’d be damned if he’d do it. He’d wait her out. She’d have to tell him sometime. That was her job.
She tipped her head back to get the last drop from the mug. Then she dragged in a breath. “Judging from the chapters I’ve read, you don’t need your mother’s influence.”
He stared at her, not quite processing what she’d said. “It’s good?”
“It’s crazy good. I suppose it could fall apart at any point, but?—”
“Crazy good?” Joy bubbled in his chest, pushing him to do something wild and stupid to commemorate this moment.
“I didn’t want to put it down. It’s?—”
“Sorry, Lani-lou, but I gotta kiss you.” Tossing his mug in the snow, he nudged back his hat and pulled her close. Then he claimed her mouth before she had time to say no.
Maybe she’d bite him. Maybe she’d hit him upside the head with her empty mug. It was a risk he was willing to take.
CHAPTER FOUR
What the hell? Rance had some kind of nerve, grabbing her like this! Lani opened her mouth to protest. Too late. He was there.
What now? She could clock him with the mug in her hand, but an unconscious Rance could be a problem. Probably best to stand there and do nothing. He’d hate that.
Unfortunately he’d caught her with her mouth open. He used that to his advantage, settling in, getting frisky with his tongue. He had technique. Should’ve guessed he’d be good at this.
Uh-oh. A quiver of desire started low in her belly and worked its way through her system. Heat spread everywhere, relaxing her rigid muscles, smoothing away her resistance.
His soft groan told her he could feel it. Cupping her tush, he tucked her in close and thrust his tongue deep.
Her body got the message and responded with embarrassing enthusiasm. Had she ground her hips against his? His low chuckle gave her the answer. She should’ve clocked him with the mug.
Time to put a stop to this nonsense. And she would. But since it was a one-time event never to be repeated, she could enjoy it a little bit long?—
“We need to stop.” His gentle murmur caressed her damp lips with a brush of air.
Hewas calling a halt? That was her job! She wiggled away from him, out of breath and pretending she wasn’t. “What’s thiswebusiness? I didn’t agree to that kiss. That was all your idea.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And wipe that smug smile off your face. You caught me in a weak moment. I recently… broke up with someone.”
“Oh? I’m sorry.”
“You don’t look sorry.”
“Okay, I’m not. I’m the opposite of sorry. But I didn’t know you were in a relationship. Did you mention him in August? Because I don’t remember anything about?—”
“I wasn’t involved with him then.”
“A short relationship.”
