Lauren widened her eyes as she gestured toward herself.“Hello...?”
He chuckled. “Yes, but Iknowyou’re leaving and therefore won’t let myself get carried away. The natural deadline will keep us both in check.”
“I see.”
“So here’s what I’m thinking. What about a nice, casual, lighthearted summer romance? We go out to eat, have coffee, enjoy each other’s company. It could be fun.” He quirked a brow. “You know... that state of being that results in pleasure and gratification...”
She gave him the side-eye. “I know what fun is.”
“All work and no play...”
She was catching the drift. Something like he was describing wouldn’t be such a horrible thing, would it? She’d been so focused on her goals,and because of that she was terribly lacking in experience. This might be good for her. Jonah, it turned out, was kind, fun to be with, and very attractive. Not to mention quite the good kisser. She could stand more of those kisses.
“I could show you more of New Hampshire, help you make the most of your time here. Plus, I really want to kiss you again.”
Her lips twitched. At least she wasn’t the only one whose lips still prickled with want. Still there was that other thing. “There is the little matter of you being my boss.”
“I am your boss—when we’re working. When we’re not, you’re the boss.”
“Really?”
“Well... the boss of you.”
She could live with that. Couldn’t she? It might be kinda fun to have a summer romance. She hadn’t been on a date in almost a year. “Nothing serious though.”
“Serious is the last thing I want.”
“We’d keep things light and breezy.”
“Good words,light and breezy.”
She thought for a moment, the idea holding more appeal than she’d like to admit. “I suppose we could try it out, do some sightseeing, see where it leads.”
He gave her a playful look. “Will it lead to another kiss?”
“Is that all you can think about?”
“What can I say? You have me hooked. But hey, the ball’s in your court, Wentworth. I’ve done enough talking. What doyouwant?”
She liked his style. He was up-front. He’d laid out his thoughts, his hopes, and waited for her weigh-in. To make the final call. It was empowering. It might seem a simple thing, but in her experience, it was not the norm.
Because of that—and because she couldn’t get that amazing kiss out of her head—she turned a smile on him. “I guess another kiss wouldn’t hurt anything.”
“I’ll take it.” He leaned forward and kissed her again.
He explored her lips while his fingers brushed the sensitive spot on her inner wrist. Then he cradled her face and wreaked havoc on her mouth. Warmth rushed from the middle out like an epicenter. It trickled through her limbs and into her hands.
Oh, he wasgood.
He pulled away too soon. His eyes smoldered a second before they shuttered with a blink. Then they sparkled with humor. “Is that a yes?”
Light and breezy. Natural deadline.Amazing kisses.“I think it is.”
His smile widened. “It’s gonna be a good summer.”
“We’ll see about that.”
He grabbed her hand and gave it a tug. They started back down the trail, her legs wobbling—and not from the hike. “Before this goes any further, I have a very important question to ask you.”
