Max stepped inside Hadley’s apartment and closed the door behind them. He immediately scanned the place for any signs of trouble.
After confirming the living room was clear, he excused himself to check out the rest of the space.
Truthfully, he needed a moment alone after that kiss. He needed to compose himself and get his thoughts together.
The kiss replayed in his mind. The way Hadley had looked at him afterward. The way she’d felt against him. The sweet scent of her flowery shampoo.
Max paused near the hallway, slowly exhaling as he tried to get a handle on himself. He needed to think clearly before he said or did something he couldn’t take back.
But when he stepped back into the living room and saw Hadley again, that resolve didn’t hold.
She stood near the door and watched him, her expression open and a little uncertain.
His heart fluttered.
Fluttered? He was a man. His heart wasn’t supposed to flutter.
And he might not ever admit it out loud. But that’s exactly what had happened.
He could die a happy man knowing someone like Hadley looked at him the way she was looking at him now.
She smiled, a hint of nervousness in it. “I made things awkward, didn’t I?”
Max crossed the room toward her without thinking too hard about it. “No, you didn’t. Not at all.”
She let out a small breath and ran a hand through her long hair. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like that—like a long, long time. I haven’t really dated since college.”
He stopped in front of her, his gaze dipping to her lips before lifting again.
For a second, neither of them moved.
Max was aware of everything—every movement, every sound.
His heart pounding. His palms sweating. His thoughts racing.
He stepped closer.
His hands settled at her sides, and he paused. He was close enough to feel her warmth again, to smell her perfume, to . . .
His eyes went to her lips again.
He gave her a moment to pull away.
She didn’t.
So he closed the distance.
Their lips met again, soft at first as if they were both still testing the moment. He stilled for a heartbeat. Then Hadley leaned into him, her hand tugging his jacket and pulling him closer.
When they pulled apart, they both grinned.
“Are you sure you want this?” Max’s words came out throaty with emotion.
Hadley nodded and kept her eyes steady on his. “Yes, I’m very sure. Terrified, but sure.”
Max let out a quiet breath as he considered his words, as he considered what he should do versus what he wanted to do. It wasn’t fair to keep certain details from Hadley.
He swallowed hard before saying, “Listen, there are things we should talk about.”
