Page 74 of Noel Secrets

Addie’s heart raced, and she felt that same hope reflected inside of her. Price was the good guy. He’d rescued her. He was here for her. He was so manly and incredible she didn’t know if he would be interested in a graphic designer who’d messed things up with him once before.

There was only one way to find out.

“Please forgive me for suspecting you. Will you come inside?”

His brows rose. For one awful instant, she was certain he’d say no. His dark eyes were conflicted, and his mouth tightened.

But then he surprised her by hurrying to the door frame and stopping in it. His manly presence surrounded her. She was losing a lot of heat from inside the house, but Price’s heat felt more enticing.

“Why?” he asked simply, staring down at her.

“I need to … properly apologize. And thank you.” She blinked up at him and prayed she wouldn’t have to spell it out. She trusted Price and she was in awe of him.

His dark eyes lit with a fire that might consume her. She quivered with anticipation.

“Addie.” His voice was husky. “You’re forgiven for ever suspecting me, but are you certain you … want me inside with you? I know men have pushed boundaries with you in the past.”

Her stomach pitched with nerves and anticipation. She wanted to kiss Price. She trusted him to protect her. Could she trust him to honor her boundaries?

“It’s only you coming inside so I can thank you, not boundary pushing.”

“Onlya thank you?” he murmured, his eyes dropping to her lips then meeting hers again.

“Yes,” she managed through her tight throat. He knew what she wanted. Right? “Nothing more. Nothing less.”

He gave her a slight smile, and a thrill rushed through her. “I don’t know how I could refuse a thank you from you.”

Her stomach hopped.

Addie stepped back from the door. Price strode in, turned, and pushed the door shut behind him. She could hardly believe Captain Price Sanderson was in her house, and that she’d offered him a ‘thank you’. She assumed they both knew what she meant.

Did he think she was silly? His gaze didn’t say so. It reflected the longing she felt in her own heart.

Leaning against the door for support, she grasped his sweatshirt and tugged him closer. He pinned her against the door with his strong frame. For the first time, she felt the full effects of Price’s lean and manly frame pressed against her. It robbed her of oxygen and made her soar to the highest heights. She pushed his hoody off his head and threaded her fingers through his short hair.

He framed her face with his palms. His hands were cold.

“Freezing!” she exclaimed, giggling.

He smiled. “Sorry. I’ve been outside for a while.”

“Because you were protecting and rescuing me.”

“I’m grateful I was here.”

“Me too.” She tugged his head down as she arched up. “And you more than deserve your thank you.”

“Addie.” He paused a breath length away. His dark eyes looked conflicted again. “I’m not sure.”

She should step back and let him work out whatever was bothering him, but she’d missed Price the past week and felt awful about messing things up with him.

“I am.” She angled in and their lips met. If she’d thought the length of his body pressing against hers had been thrilling, she’d had no clue what thrilling was. This kiss blew every other kiss with a long list of men out of the water.

Price hesitated for half a beat as she kissed him, and then he took command of her lips in a way no man had ever been confident enough to do before. He kissed her deeply and he kissed her thoroughly. Warmth and tingles and every good thrill and joyful feeling rushed through her.

When Price released her from the kiss, she was lightheaded and thought she might be floating above the world.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered against her lips.