She didn’t respond quickly. Instead, she locked eyes with him as if she were trying to look deep within him. The next thing he knew, she had leaned in and her warm lips were pressed firmly against his. For a moment, his mind went completely blank. But he didn’t freeze. He couldn’t help himself. He kissed her back, blocking out any thoughts or consequences. There was definitely a spark between them. Even bigger than he’d expected.

But after a minute, when she tried to move in closer and deepen the kiss, he regained his senses and pulled away.

“Cass, we’re both dealing with a lot of emotions right now fueled by all of this, but our partnership is too important to risk by crossing any lines.” He knew she wasn’t going to like that response, and he prepared himself for her reaction.

She crossed her arms, starting to sulk. “You know, Zane, sometimes your goody-goody nature can be a real downer. I think you feel the same way about me as I feel about you, and have for a long time. We’re both adults. I just think you’re in denial, or playing like you are because it serves your purpose of keeping the moral high ground in our partnership.”

That was more hurt and anger than he’d expected. He hesitantly took her hand. “Cass, I care about you more than you know. And because of that, I want to protect you at all cost. That includes protecting you from me. I would not be a good fit for you. Yes, we’re good friends and great partners. But I am a crummy boyfriend. I don’t do commitment, and you’ve heard enough about my personal life to know that what I’m saying is true.”

“All right. Maybe we should just table this conversation until you’re ready to face your feelings.” She grabbed her laptop and opened it back up, starting to work again.

Zane figured this was his cue to exit. “Do you still want me to stay here?”

She let out a large sigh. “Do I want you to? Probably not. But do I need you to? Yes.”

“Okay. I’ve got my go bag in the car. I’ll get it and take a room at the other end of the hall from yours. If it will make you more comfortable, I can even stay down here on the couch.”

Cass shook her head. “Don’t be silly. There’s no need for you to do that. It’s not like I’m going to attack you in the middle of the night or something.”

He knew she was attempting to be funny, but it didn’t strike him that way. He felt badly about hurting her. But had she really had feelings for him for a long time? Could he have been that blind?

Maybe so.

CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE