He lowered his lips to hers and held her still for a kiss that sent shock waves through her. When he came up for air, he brushed his nose against hers in the sweetest gesture of affection. “I’m going to prove to you it can. I was wrong today. I was a dumbass guy who was holding you to a different standard than I’d ever want myself held to. This is a small town, and not fitting in can be rough for a woman, but there’s no reason for you to not be able to be you. You are amazing. If they can’t handle it then they can fuck themselves.”

Sweet words, but she couldn’t believe them. He was a part of this community, an important part. His job depended on votes, and if the last few days were any kind of an indication, she would cost him. But not tonight. Hell, everyone thought they’d already spent the night together. She’d already done some of the time. It was time to do the crime.

She let her hands drift up to find the silk of his hair as he took her mouth again, drugging her with pure desire. His lips were soft but oh, the rest of that man was hard. She ran her hands from his hair to the corded muscles of his neck and shoulders. He’d been dependable in the field, never once questioning her.

She’d been able to work because she’d known he would back her up. If only he could do it in real life. He was still in shock. He would wake up in a few days and realize how difficult she was. He would go back to the Mirandas of the world.

But for tonight he was hers, and she was going to revel in the freedom to touch and explore this magnificent man.

His hands went to her hips, dragging her against him. She let her whole body go soft, ceding all control to him. She didn’t want to think, didn’t want to be in charge. Tonight she wanted him to take the lead so all she had to think about was how her body responded to him.

“I wanted to kiss you the first time I saw you. Lust at first sight,” he whispered against her lips.

Maybe that was why she’d really run. She’d seen his interest, his raw sexuality, and hadn’t understood it. She hadn’t wanted that shot of pure desire that had gone through her. Sex had been something she planned, and yes, she’d enjoyed it, but more for the intimacy than the actual act. Sex had been something she’d thought was normal and natural, and therefore she should schedule it into her life.