Page 36 of Torch’s Wildfire

“Tell me to back off.”

There's an opening.

A sensible woman would take it.

A sensible woman also wouldn't have climbed through his window.

I glance at his mouth.

Then back at his eyes.

“Are you always this slow?”

He lets out a quiet breath.

“Jesus, sweetheart.”

He comes closer, giving me plenty of time to change my mind.

I don't.

His hand settles against my cheek, and he kisses me.

For one stunned second, I forget how to breathe.

I've never kissed anyone before.

I've imagined it, of course.

But nothing I've pictured comes close to the reality of Torch's mouth against mine.

Warm.

Firm.

Careful enough to make me want more.

I grip the front of his cut before I realize what I'm doing.

He draws back immediately.

His eyes search mine.

“You okay?”

I stare at him.

My heart is racing.

My lips are tingling.

And I have absolutely no intention of telling him this is my first kiss.

“That,” I manage, “was a highly questionable decision.”

His mouth curves.

“Yeah?”