“Goddamn, Hads,” he whispers as his lips move down my jawline, then to my ear. “You’re driving me fuckin’ crazy.”

He tightens his grip, and I grind down on his arousal. “Kane...” I mutter. “We should talk first.”

“I was only tryin’ to calm your nerves. You’re the one who started moanin’.”

I burst out laughing, then create space between us so I can look at him. “Then you shouldn’t have kissed me like that!”

Kane flashes his adorable white smile. “Alright, fair enough. But I couldn’t help myself. I’ve waited years, and now that I’ve had a taste, I’m greedy for more.”

He helps me off his lap, and I settle into the spot next to him. “But we shouldn’t rush. Going from friends to more so drastically is confusing for me.”

“I understand, and you’re right. I’m afraid to lose you.” He brushes loose strands of hair behind my ear.

“That’ll never happen,” I vow. “No matter what, you’ll always be one of my best friends. We’ve known each other too long and been through too much to let anything come between us now.”

“Good, because I’d be a mess. And we all know what happens when I lose my shit.”

I roll my eyes at his macho response. “I think that’s a Bishop quality.”

He chuckles. “It definitely is.”

“Honestly, I don’t want to lead you on. I’m still trying to figure out what to do and what I want.”

“Because of Knox, right?”

I lower my eyes, unable to bear seeing the pain in his.

“Because you’ve been in my life for so long, and this has been a little mind-boggling. The way you decided to tell me how you felt after I’d been out with Knox leaves me with conflicting emotions. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Kane cups my face and plucks my bottom lip from my teeth. “I respect you too much to rush you, but I want you to know where I stand. I’d never hurt you, Hadleigh. Giving you my heart means it’s yours, no question. I’d treat you so damn well, and I know I could make you happy if you’d let me.”

Tears threaten to spill. Any girl would love hearing those words from a man who's as sexy and sweet as Kane.

“I have absolutely no doubt about that. You’re amazing, and every moment with you shows me just how much.”

He brushes a thumb along my cheek, and I close my eyes, soaking in his touch.

“You must hate me right now,” I mutter.

He furrows his brows in confusion. “Never.”

“You should. You deserve a woman who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t indecisive.”