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Once Bree had locked her apartment door, they removed their warm outdoor jackets, and Rylan stooped to rehtened and turned toward the kitchen, Bree reached for his handand everything slowed He wasn’t sure who made the first move—maybe they both acted at the same time—but their lips met, and his resolve faded

Can’t do this

The thought was a faint echo, al Bree’s fingertips traced the ue caressed his If he didn’t stop this soon, he would be lost

Breathing hard, he broke the kiss and took a step back Bree watched him ide-eyed wonder The silence between them stretched, became aard, then tipped over into uncomfortable

Co back here wasn’t an option Hoas he supposed to protect her from a distance? Self-control That was the answer All he had to do was forget how rip on his emotions and stay professional

“Um, coffee” He jerked a thumb in the direction of the kitchen “Wasn’t that what you wanted?”

Bree stepped up close, took ahold of his arms and drew theroan out loud

“That hat I wanted But there’s soht faded from her eyes as she scanned his face “Unless?”

How et? Until heas the woman of his dreams Now, she was in his ar because she thought he was about to turn her down He already kne fragile she was How could he be the one to hurt her?

“Bree, you htened his arood way to keep your distance “I just wonder if this is the best idea You knoith us working together”

She gave a relieved laugh “Is that all? Because we’re not exactly e up on her tiptoes, she whispered against his lips “And I won’t tell if you don’t”

That whole self-control thing? Yeah, that wasn’t working out quite the way he’d planned Bree gave a little squeal as he swung her off her feet andarea