Free To Love Again: A Sweet Romance (Forty and Free Book 1) by Lillianna Blake, Maci Grant Page B

doesn’t have to be a war. What if, just for the time we’re here, we let go of the past? What if we allow ourselves to be in the moment with one another—just allow things to develop? What do you think of that?”  
    “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Her voice was quiet, but she was smiling now.
    “So we’ll make a pact then?” He offered his hand to her. “A fresh start.”  
    “A fresh start.” She took his hand in a firm shake.
    Every muscle in Gavin’s body strained with the resistance against pulling her close. Too much, too fast, Gavin.
    But she didn’t let go of his hand. Her eyes locked to his.
    For an instant he thought he detected desire. He could only see it for a moment, because in the next her lips brushed against his. It was a tentative curious kiss, but it unleashed an irresistible passion within him.
    His arms wound around her lower back and pulled her close. His eyes fell shut as he sought to deepen the kiss. She retreated a little, but his mouth chased hers and drew her back with a slow savoring kiss. His entire body shivered as the force of his connection with her washed over him. Nothing existed but the delicate warmth of her lips and the weight of her body as it leaned into his.
    When she pulled away, he forced himself to loosen his grip around her waist, allowing the space despite his desire for more.
    She reached up and touched her bottom lip.  
    “Did they betray you?” He smiled at the thought and then laughed at the question he could see on her face. “Your lips, I mean.” He had to force himself to look away from those beautiful full lips as he waited for her response.
    “I’m just surprised.”  
    “Good surprised or bad surprised?” He pulled her close again. His lips neared hers but he hesitated. He wanted to hear her answer.  
    “Good, definitely good.” She tilted her mouth toward his for another kiss.
    He was happy to oblige, though this time he heightened the passion. By the time the kiss broke, he was as breathless as she was.
    She rested her hand against his chest. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips puffed a bit from the pressure of the kiss.  
    “We should stop.”  
    “Give me one good reason.” He searched her eyes for evidence of why she might be afraid.  
    “Because soon I won’t want to.”  
    “And what’s wrong with that?” He smiled and dipped his mouth toward hers again.  
    “No.” She leaned back in his arms to avoid the kiss. “I’m sorry, this isn’t what I want.”  
    “What?” Frustration heated his cheeks. “Even after how that felt? You’re just going to walk away?”  
    “No.” She cupped his cheeks and looked into his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. But I prefer to take things slow. Okay?”  
    “Oh.” He offered a half-smile. “Right. That’s fine with me.” He leaned forward, kissing her forehead instead of her lips.  
    “We should probably get back before Tony sends out a search party.”  
    “You might be right about that.” He laughed.
    He curled his arm around her waist as they walked—curved her body against his. When they neared the resort, a sound grabbed his attention. In actuality, it was more of a chant. In the distance he spotted a group of people engaged in movement.  
    “Wow, look at that.” She pointed to the leader of the group, who stood on one leg with both arms straight into the air. “I don’t think I could do that.”  
    “I don’t think I’d want to.”  
    “Oh, stop.” She poked his side with gentle pressure. “I’m sure when you get out of your suit and tie you’re up for trying a lot of things.”  
    “I don’t know about that.” He tilted his head to the side as he watched the entire group lean in one direction. “I’m not sure that I’d remain upright.”  
    “But I thought you could take down a bear?”  
    “Ah—well, yes I could. But only for you.”  
    “So, you’ll do this for me too?” She grinned and slipped out of his grasp.