She handed him the bag. “Then I was right?”
“You would’ve been a week ago.” He set her bag on the nearest chair. “You were smart to bring some.”
“You picked up condoms a week ago?”
“Yes, but?—”
“Listen, if there’s someone you?—”
“I’m not dating anyone right now. It was a random purchase. I might have had a premonition.”
“About me? Did Uncle Graham say something that made you think we’d get along?”
“He only told Mom he’d taken you on as his assistant. Didn’t mention any details. I wasn’t the least bit prepared for the woman who stepped out of his truck.” He held out his hand. “But I am now. Come with me, pretty lady.”
She inhaled and slowly let the air seep from her lungs. This was it. Once she took his hand, there was no turning back.
She slid her fingers through his, absorbed the warmth and strength in his hand, and immediately started shaking. What was she doing? What if Tex had a bad dream and wanted Mari to go bring her back from the barn? What if Uncle Graham got up for a drink of water and saw her truck was gone?
Tightening his grip, Monty pulled her close. “On second thought, I don’t want to wait another minute for this.”
Contact with his deliciously bare chest increased her panic. She could still back out, say she’d made a mistake. She’d be home before Tex or Uncle Graham missed her.
“Thinking of making a run for it?”
The rapid pulse of his heartbeat against her chest reminded her she was playing with fire. “I know I started this, but….”
“Now you’re getting cold feet?”
She tipped her face up to his. “Yeah. I feel like a fool for saying that. I made the decision and now?—”
“Want to go home?” He loosened his grip on her hand.
She sucked in a breath. Relief battled regret. “I really should.”
“Can I kiss you goodbye before you leave?”
She’d been wanting to kiss him ever since yesterday morning. One kiss, then she’d leave. “Um, okay.”
“Thank you.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, his warm breath carrying a whiff of mint.
She tensed. That was only the preamble. The real kiss would be quite different.
He lifted his head. “I’ve wanted to kiss you ever since yesterday morning.”
“I’ve wanted to kiss you, too.” The scent of soap and lusty male was a powerful aphrodisiac, but she’d have a much calmer life if she abandoned this wild scheme while she still could. As soon as he finished kissing her, she’d be outta here.
Except he seemed in no rush to continue. “Was that it, then? The goodbye kiss?”
He looked surprised. “You didn’t like it?”
“It wasn’t quite what I expected.”
“Sorry about that. Let me try again.” His mouth settled on hers.
He was still taking it easy. Gently those velvet lips coaxed her to open to him. That was fair. After all, this would be their one and only kiss.
If he wanted to get tongues involved, that was reasonable. They’d never do this again and it felt so good. She couldn’t help kissing him back, couldn’t stop herself from slackening her jaw and inviting him to go deeper.
