Free Nantucket Romance 3-in-1 Bundle by Denise Hunter Page B

wouldn’t ask, but . . .”
    “You know I’d do anything for you.” For a fearful moment, he realized how true it was.
    She breathed a laugh. “This is kind of above and beyond.” Her gaze ricocheted off his.
    “Name it.” Maybe she wanted him to talk to Scott. Tell him she was sorry or something. He could do that.
    “Will you help me practice?”
    She couldn’t possibly mean it the way it sounded. “Practice?”
    She gave a wry laugh and lifted her hands in a helpless gesture. “I know it’s stupid and weird and everything, but I just thought . . .” She wet her lips, looking away.
    He caught a whiff of her perfume, something light and fresh smelling, not sickeningly sweet like the perfumes other girls wore. “It’s not like I’m an expert or anything.”
    “You have more experience than I do.” She looked at him. “I wouldn’t ask, except—I’m really worried about it.” She looked afraid, her eyes wide, her shoulders stiff. She straightened and rubbed the back of her neck.
    His heart clawed its way up his throat and throbbed there. He could do this. It was just a kiss between friends. No big deal. He shrugged. “I’m all yours.” Somehow the words came out level even though his insides rocked like a rowboat in a gale.
    Her shoulders drooped. “Okay.” She wet her lips again. “Okay. What if you just kind of leaned over, you know, like you’re Scott and you’re kissing me good night.”
    He couldn’t believe this was happening. “All right.” He looked down at her lips, awaiting his. She closed her eyes. He leaned forward.
    “Wait.” She pulled back, her eyes popping open.
    He wondered if his heart was going to stop then and there.
    She folded her feet under her. “Let’s stand up. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.”
    He stood, wondering if he’d lost his mind. “Just put them on his waist or his shoulders. If the kiss lasts long enough.”
    She stood inches from him, his shadow hiding her expression. “How will I know if it’s going to last long enough?”
    “You’ll know.”
    “Okay, I’m ready.”
    His mouth went dry. “You might not want to say that to him.”
    “I won’t, you doofus. I was just saying it to you.” Her face had lost that fearful look, and her hands hung casually at her side.
    Before he lost his nerve, he took a tiny step forward and leaned in until her breath tickled his face. His lips closed on hers, touching gently.
    He felt her timid response and cupped her jaw with his fingers. Her lips danced with his, slowly, softly. Excruciatingly.
    Her hands settled at his waist, just above his belt. He deepened the kiss. His other hand found her waist, and he pulled her closer until he could feel the heat of her body through his T-shirt.
    She was soft and pliable, and he feared she could feel his heart thudding through his shirt. He pulled back, ending the kiss.
    Her eyes opened, and her mouth, still moist from his lips, curved slowly. “How was that?”
    About an eleven on the Richter scale. Maybe a twelve. “Not bad.” He cleared his throat.
    “Not bad?” She lifted her chin. “I rocked and you know it.” She was practically glowing.
    “You were adequate.”
    She waggled her head. “I was awesome. And Scott’s going to beg for more.”
    It was probably true. “I liked you better when you were unsure of yourself,” he teased.
    “Bull. You probably like me more now. After my fabulous kiss.” Her smile was infectious. “Don’t go getting the hots for me now.” She shoved his shoulder.
    Too late . “You wish.”
    She laughed and backed away as the wind tousled her hair. “It’s getting late. I’m going in now.”
    Landon tucked his hands into his shorts pockets. “See ya.”
    She turned and walked down the length of the pier. When she reached the grass, she turned. “Hey, Landon?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Thanks.” She smiled, then turned and disappeared into the yard’s shadows.
    No problem . Except that he was quivering from the inside