Page 32 of Storm Warning

Andre’s gaze grew more intense. “Exclusive?”

“Yes.” She would not share him with anyone. If he declared himself hers, that was it. No other woman had the right to be in a relationship with him. “If you change your mind, I better be the first person you tell.”

“Although I promise to be honest with you, I won’t change my mind, and I expect the same in return.” He slid his hand around her nape and urged her closer. “May I kiss you to seal the deal?”

“Yes, please.”

Andre captured her mouth with his, the touch gentle and careful, as though going on a first date. As the minutes passed, his kiss deepened by degrees, becoming more possessive,although he was careful to leave her multiple ways to step out of his arms if she chose. Based on his actions, Andre wanted her to know she wasn’t trapped with no escape.

Long minutes later, he lifted his head and stared down at her. “Any objections or concerns about that kiss?”

“That was more than one kiss.”

His eyebrow rose. “How many kisses did we share?”

“I lost count after the first three.” Riley touched her lips with her fingers. “You have some serious kissing skills, Mr. Marsh.”

He chuckled. “So do you, Ms. Sloan.”

She shrugged. “If I do, it’s because you taught me.”

Andre stilled, shock growing in his eyes. “What did you say?”

“Never mind.” Riley turned away, embarrassed that she’d spilled the news that quickly. Good grief. His kisses had turned her into a motormouth.

He caught her arm and turned her around to face him. “Talk to me, Riley. Did I understand you correctly? I’m the only man you’ve kissed?”

Face flaming, she nodded.

Andre’s eyes flared. “I’m honored you chose me to share your first kiss.”

She waited. He said nothing. Finally, she couldn’t stand it any longer. “Are you going to ask why?”

“You’ll tell me when you’re ready. It’s enough for me to know that I’m your first kiss. If I have anything to say about it, there won’t be kisses from anyone else. I’ll be your only.”

Shock rolled through her. Her only kisses? Was he serious? Andre meant to keep her? No, that couldn’t be right. She must have misunderstood him.

He tapped her watch. “It’s time to call Lang. Do you want me to leave or stay?”

She went with her gut instinct. “Stay. Please.”

He looked pleased as he gave a quick nod and picked up his shirt again. “Make your call. I’ll be here if you need me. Otherwise, I’ll stay quiet.”

Riley steeled herself and called Marcus Lang as Andre tugged on his shirt.

The counselor answered on the first ring. “Hello, Riley. Switch over to video, please.”

Oh, man. Riley swallowed hard. “Yes, sir.” When she switched to a video call, Marcus Lang smiled at her.

“There you are. It’s nice to meet you, Riley. Are you in a place where we can talk privately?”

“I’m in one of the recovery rooms in Bayside. Andre Marsh is with me.”

Andre sat in the chair beside her. “Hi, Marcus.”

“Andre! Good to see you, buddy. How are you?”

“Nursing a bullet wound from a mission.”