A part of her cautioned against reveling at being so close to him, even if only for a few seconds. But it was as if she’d been waiting for him to hold her, and now that he was, she couldn’t fathom being anyplace else.
So instead of pushing away from him, she leaned back.
The acquiescence on her part must have been the permission he’d been seeking because he tightened his hand on her stomach, drawing her nearer, before digging his other hand deeper into her hair.
Just for warmth. That’s why she was staying against him. And to keep away from the spray of the rain.
“Your hair needs to dry.” His voice was low behind her, his mouth against her head, his nose burrowing into her hair.
More warmth cascaded through her heart and over the edge like a rushing waterfall that couldn’t be contained.
He pulled back just slightly, as though once again giving her the opportunity to put an end to the closeness. “Do you agree?”
“Oh aye, I wouldn’t want to be catching a chill on account of wet hair.” She slid her hand over his—the one resting on her stomach. She glided over every inch of his fingers, wanting to explore this new terrain. Was there anything wrong with taking this detour with him, letting herself have a few moments of forbidden pleasure? What harm could come from it?
As her fingers caressed him, his arms turned more rigid on either side of her, and he seemed to be restraining himself. She would have believed he wasn’t enjoying this moment, but in the next instant, his lips pressed against the back of her head.
Was he initiating a kiss?
His lips were firm and almost possessive.
Aye, he was most definitely kissing her.
Her heart spurted, sending her blood humming through her veins.
His kiss didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t. They were just friends who were a little attracted to each other, and this sweet embrace would soon be forgotten once they returned to reality.
With the hand that was still in her hair, he swept the locks to one side, baring her neck. In the next instant, the warmth of his breath caressed her throat just behind her ear.
What was he doing? He wouldn’t kiss her neck, wouldhe? That would be taking this rainy interlude too far. Yet if he did kiss her, she wouldn’t stop him. Not for anything.
Because the longer she was against him under the pavilion, the more she wanted a kiss from him. They would have to part ways once Bellamy returned, so why not steal a kiss, here and now?
17
Kiernan was desperate to kiss her. His body was tight with the need. Especially with the elegant stretch of her neck practically begging him for a kiss.
But he couldn’t start taking advantage of her, not when he’d worked so hard to respect her. He hadn’t done what Shelia was accusing him of. He hadn’t used Alannah to sate his own needs.
Because that’s what this would be if he kissed her neck—he’d be using her, proving himself to be nothing more than a selfish idiot. He’d already brought her enough trouble with the rumors that were circulating, and he didn’t want to chance hurting her any further.
He swallowed hard, drew in a deep breath, and forced himself to inch back. He did so slowly because desire stretched through him like a tight fuse just waiting to be detonated. One wrong move, and he wouldn’t be safe. And neither would she.
Never had a woman been as difficult to resist as Alannah,not even Shelia. And never had a woman made him want to forget about everything else and just be with her, except Alannah.
She was very special, and he couldn’t think of anyone else who could measure up to her, not even close. Not only was she vibrant and caring and interesting, but she made him smile like no one else ever had.
Was he falling for her? Maybe even falling in love?
Blast. He couldn’t let that happen.
With a spurt of strange panic, he released his hold on her waist and took a step away from her.
Before he could put more distance between them, she pivoted and snagged his shirt and part of his vest into a fist. Her long lashes dropped halfway, but not before he caught a glimpse of the desire in her eyes. He doubted she was falling in love, but she obviously wasn’t put off by his attention to her. Did she want to kiss?
The fuse inside him flared to life with sparks and sizzles. He wanted to kiss her more than anything.
But no. He couldn’t let anything happen. It wouldn’t be fair to her. And it wouldn’t be fair to the young woman Bellamy was picking out for him today. He didn’t want to enter into a new relationship while harboring feelings for someone else.
