Annie was surprised how little he cared about Lauren’s actions – but he was right.They’d already accepted the loss and moved on.
“I’m glad to hear it.”She stood.
He rushed to his feet.“Was there anything else?How are you doing?”
“I’m good.”She paused.“I’m great, actually.But I won’t take any more of your time.”
“It’s nice to see you.I’m glad you’re – ” He paused.“That you’re well.”
This was her chance.For once in her life, Annie wasn’t going to overthink it.She wasn’t going to think at all.
Before she’d come, she didn’t know what she was going to say or do.She only knew she had to see Miles.
Now she was going on instinct.His handsome face was contorted with a politely puzzled expression, and his kind, soft eyes were focused on her.He stood broad-shouldered and tall, gazing down, his hands stuffed into his pockets, like he was holding himself back, like he hadn’t swept her up.
Her hero.Her friend.
The man she would forever be desperately in love with.
“I’ve never properly thanked you.”She stepped closer, breathing in his masculine cologne.
“Uh, you have nothing to – ”
She didn’t wait to hear his excuse again.Annie popped onto her tiptoes and planted her lips onto his.
He startled at first, but Annie kept kissing him, placing one hand on the back of his neck, her other hand around his back.
His muscles relaxed and he leaned into her, a gasp escaping his lips, a smile forming.
Then she broke the kiss, turned, and left.
Thirty
Warmth glowed on his skin, as though he’d just stepped out of the sun.
Miles stood in the doorway, mouth hanging open, until Annie was halfway down the street.
The sun was quickly disappearing.
His muscles tensed and he ran after her.
“Wait!Where are you going?”he yelled.
Annie turned, her big eyes looking up at him.“Home, I guess.”
He blinked at her.“What was that?”
A smile lit her face, pink pooling into her cheeks.“I don’t know.It just – happened.”
“It just happened,” he repeated.
A laugh burst from her and she clapped a hand to her mouth.
Miles laughed, too.It was astonishing.All this time he thought he was the only one fighting the irresistible urge to be closer to her.He thought he was being a gentleman by holding back – barely, sometimes, but at least attempting to.
But she had just up and kissed him like it was nothing.
“Nearly dying made me a little crazy,” she said, clearing her throat.“So I’m sorry about that.I know I’m not what you’re looking for.I hope it doesn’t ruin our friend – ”
