Except, maybe, “York. I’m okay. We’re okay. It’s just a weird coincidence that can be explained. Winchester Marshall is not trying to kill me or you or…” She took a step toward him, put her hands on his wet shirt, the warmth of his skin seeping through it to her skin. “He’s just an actor. Not a real spy.”

York’s mouth tightened.

Then, he closed his eyes, as if the entire situation pained him.

Oh. York.

She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Holding on, her eyes filling. “I’m so sorry I left you.” Her voice shook, and she couldn’t help it. “I’m so sorry. I thought…” She backed away, looked at him. “I thought I’d be right back.”

Only then did she notice that he hadn’t moved. Hadn’t put his arms around her. Now, he swallowed, and something terrible entered his eyes.

And his words right before the kidnapping, the terrible event in Sicily that ended with him in the hospital, the words spoken at their hotel rose to haunt her. We keep living this life, and it will turn on us. It will find us. And it will take you from me in the most horrific of ways. And I can’t stick around and watch that.

And then he’d told her he was leaving.

Sure, she’d run after him, but he didn’t know that, did he? Didn’t know that if she had to choose…

Him. She’d choose him.

“RJ —”

No. Not again. RJ wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. A full on, I’m sorry, I need you, I missed you, please believe in us kiss.

The kind of kiss that probably stunned him because he didn’t move for a second, maybe two. But she didn’t care. She pulled herself against him and urged him back to who they’d been. The epic adventures of RJ and York.

Maybe now, even better.

Then, slowly, he softened his mouth, responding, kissing her back.

And oh, York knew how to kiss. In a second, he caught her up, his arms around her waist, pulling her off her feet, holding her there as he dove in with his touch. Hungry, desperate, and heating her through to her bones, her core.

He tasted of coffee and maybe adventure, but also the amazing, safe, consuming man who she could cling to without fear.

The world just dissolved around her. York.

Her entire body trembled with the power of letting go, of surrender to his embrace and when he finally lifted his head, met her eyes, he was breathing hard, his eyes thick with desire.

She smiled.

He released a sound, deep inside, part growl, part acquiescence. “Ruby Jane. You are going to be the death of me.”

“No. Not anymore. I’ve learned my lesson.”

He cocked his head.