Page 135 of This is a Kissing Book

Linc gestures grandly. “Welcome to the Andresen family. Our philosophy: ruthless justice with a charitable tax write-off.”

A laugh bubbles out of me, probably inappropriate given the circumstances, but I can’t help it. The absurdity of little old me—from clerical work on the thirty-third floor to executive assistant to exposing insurance fraud, Maxine’s dramatic ejection, and Frank somehow knowing about our investigation—hits me like a train coming late into the station.

“Also, it seems like your father knew about it all along.”

Linc nods and shakes his head as if he’s still working out how.

“We did it. We uncovered a corporate con like spies or whistleblowers.” I bounce a little at the glamor of it, knowing full well there will be an investigation, a lawsuit, and likely proper in-office drama if Jeannie and her “tea time” have anything to do with it.

“You did it,” Linc corrects, shifting closer to me. “Your instincts, your research skills, your brilliant insight into the Lincoln letters containing references to records related to the missing Fairfax piece, resulting in Maxine’s confession.”

My shoulders rise in a shy shrug. “All in a day’s work.”

His eyes sparkle with admiration and something deeper that makes my breath catch. “You were amazing in there.”

“You weren’t so bad yourself. And we certainly did this together. We make a good team.”

The corner of his lip twitches. “Yeah. We do.”

Before I can overthink it, he leans down and kisses me. It’s quick and sweet, a celebration of victory and relief all wrapped into one perfect package. When our lips part, his forehead rests against mine.

“What’s going to happen?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“An HR filing?” He laughs as we draw apart because this kind of activity between two Meridian employees is frowned upon. “Then again, I don’t technically get paid, so I suppose we could have one more …” He kisses me again.

This one is longer, slower, and I feel suddenly shy about what’s happening between us. This isn’t just attraction or adrenaline anymore—it’s something deeper that terrifies and thrills me in equal measure. I feel like I’m floating.

No, we’re falling, and I don’t think either of us knows how to stop.

Where we’ll land.

If we’ll be able to get up.

Then what?

Linc’s fingers trace along the curve of my jaw, down my neck, sending a warm shiver through me.

I clasp my hands behind his back, tethering myself to him, to this moment.

He responds by wrapping both arms around me, pulling me flush against him until there’s no space left between us.

His breath tickles my ear as he shifts, pressing a kiss just below it, and I can’t help the small laugh that escapes—half nervous, half delighted. He smiles against my skin, and I feel it more than see it.

The scratch of his stubble along my neck makes me wriggle in the best of ways, and he chuckles low in his throat, clearly pleased with my reaction. When his mouth finds mine again, he catches my bottom lip gently between his teeth—playful and teasing—before soothing it with a softer kiss.

I could really get used to this.

I want to. I want him.

When we draw apart this time, I ask, “But really, what’s next?” I mean this for every possible variation of the question. What’s going to happen between us? At the office? For the future?

“I have to travel for a few days—business.” He straightens, running a hand through his hair. “When I get back, we’ll celebrate.”

My pulse skitters, but before I can respond, his phone buzzes. He glances at it and sighs. “Speaking of travel, I need to pack. Flight leaves soon.”

Just like that, he’s gone, leaving me alone in our shared office with the lingering scent of his cologne and a thousand questions swirling through my mind.

Three days pass with a mere few texts from Linc. He’s out of the country and busy with business meetings. Likely, his father gave him more responsibility now that Drecken is out of the picture.