“Yesterday, I think.”
But I don’t want to talk about that. Or anything at all. Closing my eyes, I shift closer, but he moves back, keeping the space between us.
“Well you are.” His thumb brushes over my mouth, watching as shivers race down my spine. “I promise to tell you every day.”
“You don’t have to do that.” I lean in, straining for his lips.
“I want to. You deserve someone who treats you nice for once. Takes you out on romantic dates and?—”
“Tristen.” I grab the front of his shirt in desperation. “While I appreciate that, can you stop torturing me already?”
“I aim to please,” he whispers, his restraint snapping.
I nearly faint with relief when his mouth lands on mine with a feverish passion. Reasonable thoughts and the world around us fade away. Before he can even think to pull away, I cling to him, throwing my arms around his neck and losingmyself in the moment. His beard scrapes my skin, like flint adding more sparks to the fire.
Never has kissing felt like this. Reckless, wild, and delightfully electric. Like leaping from a plane into the unknown and yet knowing I’m safe because Tristen has me in his arms. I trust him with my life... and my heart.
My what?!
I rip away from him, panting and confused.
Too fast. Can’t breathe.
With each gasp of air, the empty campground returns into view. Tristen mirrors my surprised expression. His chest rises and falls as he regains his composure.
What am I doing?
This didn’t feel like a simple one and done kiss situation. I’m already craving another.
I swallow nervously, shook by my desire.
“Holy smokes, Reese,” he says between breaths. His dark eyes greedily rove over my face, his hands still clenched on my hips. “Tell me you felt that too.”
My emotions are too wound up to reply. To say I lost control would be the understatement of the century. In fact, I’m still at the brink, ready to cannonball off that plane again into his arms.
Forget the camper, forget my obligations, forget everything that isn’t Tristen.
But were those my dark thoughts or something new directing my consciousness? I don’t know anymore. Whatever it is, it’s too much.
I close my eyes to force myself to focus. Then I do what I do best and shove those confusing emotions deep inside of me. Lock them up tight in my Pandora’s box so they can’t escape.
Control. I need to find my control.
Misinterpreting, he swoops in for another kiss, but I leap from his grip in a mild panic.
“Reese?” Tilting his head, he reaches for me.
I take another step back, not trusting myself.
Space. I need air.
“Gotta get back to work.” I point over my shoulder like he doesn’t remember the ginormous motorhome I’ve been fixing.Before he notices, I shove my trembling hands in my pocket.
“Are you okay?”
I force a bright smile and backpedal away.
“Oh, yeah. I’m great.Great.” I clear my throat, wondering why my tone won’t match my words. “I’ll get nothing done today if you’re out here distracting me.”
