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We keep talking, and it’s like the conversation keeps slipping deeper, without either of us really trying. I ask him about his life. He’s careful about what he says, but not totally closed off.

He talks about growing up in the construction business, marrying a girl from the same town, having Josh.

“We grew apart,” he says, and there’s this kind of resignation in his voice, like he’s used to explaining it that way. “We wanted different things, I guess. She moved on. She never really wanted kids, and I focused on Josh and the business.”

It’s clear he doesn’t usually share much about himself, but still, I’m enraptured by him. I want to know everything about him.

I ask him what he wants in the future, and he pauses, like he’s not sure how to answer.

“I’m not unhappy,” he finally says, and it sounds almost like a question.

“There’s nothing you feel that you’re missing?”

“Well, I mean, I’m not going to act like I live a perfect life. I just…you know, haven’t figured everything out yet.”

We finish our drinks, and he pays. We head back out to the truck. The night air is cool, and there’s this quiet that settles over us as we walk.

I’m still thinking about what he said, about not being unhappy, when I suddenly stumble over a crack in thepavement. Before I can catch myself, Brody’s hands shoot out, steadying me.

His hands wrapped around my waist. He’s caught me before I fell, and our eyes meet before he lets me go.

“Easy there,” he murmurs, but there’s this charged moment like we’re both waiting for something to happen.

And then it does.

He leans down and kisses me, soft and slow, like he’s been thinking about it all night.

I can’t think, can’t breathe. I can only feel the warmth of his lips against mine and his hand firm on my arm, holding me steady.

As much as I want to stop him—he’s my boss, after all—I realize in this moment, that I don’t want to push him away.

I want to give him more.

Chapter Five

Brody

I pull back from the kiss, getting a hold of myself, my heart racing and my mind in chaos.

“Tasha, I…” I begin to apologize, but the words tumble out awkwardly.

Before I can even finish, she jumps up toward me again, standing on her tip-toes so she can kiss me back.

That second kiss ignites something primal inside me, and from the look in her eyes as she pulls away, I can tell she wants this as much as I do.

I can’t resist any longer, not now that I know she wants it, too.

I pull her against me, my hands gliding along the curves of her hips and ass. She feels so small, so soft and warm, like the flame of a candle brought to life in the shape of one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever set eyes on.

I’m overwhelmed by the sensation of her body pressing against mine. The feeling of her breasts snug against me as we kiss makes me want to bend her over my truck right here, right now.

It’s been a long time since I felt this kind of connection with anyone, body and mind, and I’m both exhilarated and terrified.

Still, I’m not going to let whatever this is pass me by.

“Would you like to come back to my place?” I ask, our foreheads touching. I’m taking in the scent of her as we rock back and forth a little. My voice is low, laced with a mix of vulnerability and desire, and I can feel her hesitation lingering in the air.

When she nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement, I can’t help the smile that breaks across my face.