Why was he acting so out of character? What was it about her? “Why? Because I just gave you a puppy and I’ll be pissed if you both end up dead because you had to spend the night on the streets. If you don’t give a shit about yourself, think about the boy and the dog.” A low blow, and he saw the pinching of her features for a moment before her plastic smile returned.

“You’re right. I should be thinking of others. My pride is getting in the way.” She tucked the card into a pocket before rolling her shoulders. With a shyer demeanor than usual, she said, “Surely there must be something I can do in return.”

He didn’t know what possessed him to say it. But he did.

“If you want to pay me, then a kiss.”

12

There was a name for women who traded kisses for stuff, but Merry ignored that as she digested his odd request. Or maybe not so strange given there was a vibe between them. She found him extremely attractive, and while he was gruff, she’d noticed his respect toward her.

And now he asked for a kiss?

She should have specified it would be just one, no tongue, or stood up for herself and told him where to go. But this scowling hunk of a man wanted to kiss her.

She was feminine and vain enough to want to see if it would be any good. She uttered an enthusiastic, “Okay,” and flung her arms around his neck. Mashed her mouth on his, and swooned.

Best. Kiss. Ever.

It should be noted Merry hadn’t been with a lot of men. Three in her whole life. The last one being Miguel’s daddy. She’d never been wowed before.

Because this embrace was definitely giving her hot tingles all over.

At first, he was stiff, his body tense even as his lips parted on a surprised gasp. His paralysis didn’t last long before his arms wrapped around her and he literally lifted her off her feet.

There was something to be said for a big and burly man. She felt delicate in his grip. He held her firmly, but oh so gently. His embrace was soft, and she could tell he held back.

“I’m not going to break.”

The kiss turned into something hot and breathy, with tongue and moaning, mostly by her. Her legs ended up wrapped around him, and she would have gladly kept riding him if he’d not been a gentleman.

He tore his mouth away and grumbled, “I didn’t give you my card so you’d have sex with me.”

It took effort to open her passion-heavy lids and drawl, “The sex we’re going to have is because I am ridiculously attracted to you.”

He went stiff. All over. And he didn’t melt. Not yet.