Page 68 of Chasing Kaylee Kringle

“Let me out,” she said, trying to push past him, but he side stepped her escape.

“Wait, hang on, go back to the part where you like me.”

“I don’t like you now. I think that you’re a pompous asshat, which is what I thought before, but for a brief, like, day, I liked you.”

“You liked me, or you liked what I did to you?” he whispered, a low growl that wreaked havoc on her nervous system.

Kaylee’s face flushed red, wishing she was more indifferent to him. “Maybe at first it was the second thing, but then when we committed several misdemeanors together, I thought maybe this guy is a good guy, just like I thought the same thing when I first met you.”

“And now?”

“Now I think that you’re ambitious and you will step on anyone to get what you want.”

He winced. “And what if I took myself off your case, what if I walked away?”

Kaylee froze, staring at him with wide eyes. “You wouldn’t do that.”

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve already compromised this investigation by sleeping with you.”

“Yeah, and I’ll never tell anyone that.”

“But I will. I will tell them that I slept with you and I cannot in good conscience stay on the case.”

Kaylee shook her head vehemently. “You don’t have to do that.”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Kaylee. I want to solve this case and bring Elasia’s killers to justice, but if I tell them that I want you more, I’m off it anyway.” He took a step closer, approaching her like a skittish animal. “And I do want you, Kaylee.”

“How am I supposed to trust you?” she asked softly.

“Take a leap of faith.”

“Do you even know what that means?”

“I will call them right now,” he said, pulling out his phone immediately. “I’m dialing. I am gonna let them know.”

Kaylee snatched his phone, waving it in his face. “You are not going to do that.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want the world to know that I slept with you.”

“Then maybe I can convince you another way.”

He cupped her cheeks and kissed her, his tongue finding purchase against her lips. He expected her to pull away, but instead, she opened her mouth under his, giving him full access. He swept his tongue inside, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, sinking into him.

Why did he have to be such an incredible kisser? It was like the whole world melted away and left just the two of them, his hard body pressed against her, his warm hands on her skin, and the smell of …

Disinfectant.

Kaylee pulled away, pushing at his chest. “We are making out in a bathroom.”

“Yes, we are.”

“That’s disgusting. Do you know how many germs are surrounding us? We are kissing in a plethora of bacteria.”

Rick chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose. “Has anyone ever told you that you get wordy when you’re nervous?”

“I’m not nervous. I’m disgusted.”