Free The Apartment by Debbie Macomber Page A

looked so damn kissable. It was more than he could resist.
    It’d been nearly a week since Sean had touched her, and he yearned for the feel of her in his arms again.
    His kiss came as a surprise to her, but it was even more of one to him. One minute he was thinking he’d better make his lunch and escape and the next she was in his arms, his mouth pressed urgently over hers. He didn’t remember it being this good the first time. Wonder mingled with need, both sensations swamping his senses.
    Hilary moaned softly and opened to him as naturally as if they were longtime lovers. Her arms automatically went around his neck and she nestled in his embrace, so trusting and confident that this was where she belonged. She was completely at home. Completely at ease.
    His hand tunneled under the thickness of her hair to cradle the back of her head. Their kiss grew deep and long. Either he stopped now or he’d have her stripped and in his bed before he could stop himself.
    He broke away abruptly. “Now,” he said, breathing heavily, “it’s a good morning.”
    With that, he walked out of the kitchen.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    T he kiss Hilary exchanged with Sean that morning filled her with a wild sense of hope. For nearly a week Sean had been doing everything within his power to avoid her. Yet she caught him watching her at odd moments, and she saw in him a look of longing that gave her no room for doubt. He wanted her, possibly he loved her; but the emotion frightened him. He was a man who’d lived without love in his life. The army had met his every need. It had been his ego, his pride. As a member of the Special Forces, he didn’t have room for anything or anyone else in his life. Like her, he was on his own for the first time. They were two lost souls making their way in the world. Both were vulnerable. Both were unsure of what the future held.
    Of one thing Hilary was confident: Sean was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of her. The barrier of his resolve had been breached that morning. It was exactly what Hilary had been waiting for, exactly what she’d hoped would happen.
    The next move was hers, and she was ready. More than ready.
    That same afternoon, when she arrived home from the music store, she discovered Sean sprawled across the sofa, napping. He didn’t hear her come in, which was all the better.
    She watched him doze for several moments, drinking in the sight of him so relaxed and comfortable. For long moments, she did nothing but stand there; her heart was so in tune with his that she was convinced they beat in unison. She’d seen him like this often, and each time was like a treasure. He wouldn’t appreciate it if he knew how much she enjoyed studying him. She had to be quiet; he was an amazingly light sleeper—from years of training, she guessed. Often she suspected he was awake but feigned sleep in an effort to avoid her.
    Well, she was finished with those games. Holding her hair away from her face, she bent over Sean and lightly settled her mouth over his.
    When the warm possession of her lips met his, he reached up, enfolding her, and brought her down so that she was stretched out atop his hard length.
    Hilary released a small cry of surprise and noted Sean was wearing a sly smile. “You were awake the whole time,” she muttered.
    â€œNot exactly, but I’m awake now. Wide-awake.” His eyes delved into hers. “For the love of heaven, Hilary, what are we doing?”
    â€œI…don’t know anymore,” she whispered, and kissed him again. Only this time it was more than a mere brushing of their lips; it was a full-blown kiss. His tongue parted her lips and she responded eagerly. Although the full length of her body was pressed against his, she wanted even closer contact. Her hips made small undulating movements against him.
    â€œHil…we’ve got to stop.” His hands moved from her back to her buttocks in a futile