Sophie basked in his affectionate look. Tried to memorize the straight slope of his nose, the sharp turn of his jaw, the graceful sweep of his lashes. Their time together was drawing to a close, and she wanted these details to carry her through the long, lonely nights.

As painful as the parting would be, his unexpected appearance in her life had been good for her. Had allowed them to settle the past. She was grateful for that, but that’s where it ended.

She moved to stand but forgot her injury and nearly came crashing down.

Aiden was there in a blink, steadying her. “Careful.”

She clutched his forearms, regaining her balance.

In an instant the mood shifted. Her focus narrowed to just the two of them. To the feel of his hands at her waist. To his piercing blue eyes, trained on her and filled with ardor.

His thumb brushed her cheek, bringing every cell to life.

Her heart threatened to escape her rib cage as her gaze fell to his mouth. To the heart-shaped curve of his Cupid’s bow. Darn those lips.

He moved closer, a soft puff of breath a prelude to the kiss. Then just a brush of his lips. Unhurried. Warm and gentle. Reverent.

He paused, hovering over her for a long, desperate moment. She waited, breathless, wishing with everything in her for more.

And then, blessedly, his lips were on hers again.

Her hands glided up those solid biceps to curl around his neck and pull him closer. She still fit against him so well, the embrace as familiar as the kiss.

She yielded to his expertise. How had she forgotten how good he was at this? She marveled that the touch of his lips could send tremors through her body like an earthquake. The few other kisses she’d had were poor imitations of this. Had it been the same for Aiden?

But she was quickly distracted from her thoughts when he pulled her into the cradle of his chest. His mouth also served as a distraction, working her lips with beautiful precision. She gladly yielded to his soft exploration, lost, remembering all those other times he’d made her feel like the most desirable woman in the world.

She felt his withdrawal moments before he ended the kiss. He didn’t go far, though. Their breaths mingled between them, shallow and ragged.

He cupped her face, eyes raking over her features.

She nearly melted under his smoldering gaze.

“I’m staying until your shop is open.” His voice was as thick as honey.

She blinked, waiting for her brain catch up with his. “Aiden . . .”

She wasn’t even sure how to complete the sentence. Were they not going to talk about the kiss? What had he meant by it? What had she meant by it?

“You need the help. And Ross can do without me a few more days. I want to be here for your opening.”