Page 30

Story: Pick Your Battles

Another step closer. Who had moved?

Ford’s hand lifted to caress her cheek, and he ran his finger over her jawline. “Anyone who would cheat on you is a dumbass and an asshole. You’re full of sunshine and have the biggest heart. You’re pretty much perfect and you deserve better.”

Her heart warmed at the absolute sincerity in his voice. In his eyes. Had she moved in again? Had he?

Jolie leaned into his hand and smiled. Ford’s thumb grazed over her lips and she trembled.

She placed her hands on his chest. His heart raced as quickly as hers.

His eyes flickered to her mouth and back up to her eyes. She repeated the motion with a smile and rose on her toes.

Heat flared in his eyes, and he returned her smile.

He brushed his lips over hers as softly as fog. Testing.

He lifted his head to check out her gaze, probably making sure he wasn’t overstepping. He wasn’t. Whatever he saw in her eyes had him smiling, and then he kissed her for real.

She couldn’t contain the needy sound that drifted from her throat.

Ford moaned and covered her lips with his. Not so soft. Definitely not testing.

Claiming.

Devouring.

She was being devoured.

And nothing had ever felt better.

His muscled arms pulled her closer until they were pressed together in the very best of ways. He tasted like mint and man.

And desire.

For her.

Her hands drifted over his chest, biceps. The man was made of muscle.

When her knees wobbled, Ford banded his arm around her waist and tugged her closer still. His other hand coasted over her back and then down to her butt.

She moaned into his mouth and the kiss deepened further.

Her head was spinning, and she wasn’t sure she could feel her feet when they finally pulled apart to gulp in air.

Ford kissed her forehead and rested his lips there for a long moment. “You okay?”

She couldn’t stop the laugh. “Any more okay and I’d be floating above the clouds sending down all that rain.”

His gravelly chuckle sent shivers cascading over her skin. “Same.”

His arms tightened, and he swayed them back and forth a few times. “Trying to remember why I thought that wasn’t a good idea.”

When she laughed, he cursed softly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

He pulled his head back, but didn’t loosen his hold on her. “I’ve been attracted to you from the beginning, Jolie. You sparkle with joy. But I didn’t want to cross a line and mess things up. Except you’re irresistible and I don’t much care about any lines now. Should I apologize?”

Her heart warmed, and she patted his chest. “Not unless you want me to kick your butt.”

He laughed and kissed her forehead again. “Not taking that kind of chance. Especially not when I want to do it again. A lot.”