"I know enough," he says.
My breath catches.
This is the line. The one I shouldn't cross.
I just met him. I don't know where this goes. I don't know if it's real or if it's just the adrenaline of fear and relief.
But when Ross stands, his body filling the space between us, my instincts don't screamrun.
They whispergo.
"Come on," he says.
"Where?"
"We're going outside," he replies, “to get some air. And I want you to see the lot. See your car. With me by your side, so you know you’re safe."
I stand, legs unsteady and follow him through the lobby doors.
Cold air hits my skin, sharp and clean. The parking lot is quiet. My car sits under the motel light, just where I left it. Ross scans the shadows with practiced ease.
"No one’s here,” he confirms.
I nod, but my body still holds tension, like it's waiting for the moment something jumps out.
Ross turns to me, close enough that I can see the faint shadow of stubble along his jaw. Close enough that I can smell his cologne once again.
"You're shaking," he says.
"I'm fine," I lie.
His hand lifts slowly, giving me time to step back.
I don't.
His fingers brush my cheek, gentle, and the touch makes my whole body go still. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
I lick my lips. “Why do you care?”
"I don’t know,” he says, gazing at me intently, “but I do.”
Ross's expression shifts, something dark and protective settling into place. Not reckless. Not out of control.Determined.
He lowers his mouth to mine.
The kiss is careful, at first, like he's giving me time to back away. When I don't, when I lean into him instead, the control in his body tightens and then breaks just enough to make my knees weak.
His hand slides to the back of my neck, thumb resting under my ear.
I grip the front of his jacket and tug him closer.
Ross pulls back just far enough to look down at me. "Are you sure this is what you want?”
"Yes," I breathe.
He kisses me again, deeper this time, and the world narrows to the warmth of his mouth and the hard line of his body against mine.
His hand drifts to my waist, then down to cup my ass.
