I shook my head. “I'm not sure what to do when you say stuff like that to me.” I put up a hand. “Wait, not like I'm insecure or anything.” Even better, now I sounded arrogant. “I'm not over-confident either.” I sighed. Now would be a really good time for a muzzle. “In some ways you’re so like my ex. In other ways, so totally different.”

“Different can be good.”

He took a step toward me, and I automatically stepped back.

“Remember, Abbie, I’m a completely different person. Whatever fucked-up thing sent you out of his arms, I’m glad you’re here. I’m not that bloke. I’m not going to hurt you.”

I licked my lips nervously. “I thought you said you wanted me to stay away from you.”

He took another step toward me, and I took another step back. “I’m tired of being on my best behavior. And I’m not sure I can physically stay away anymore.”

“Alexi, I—”

He stepped directly in front of me, and I backed right into the bookcase.

“It's easy, all we have to do is let go.”

Lex braced his hands on either side of my head. When he closed the short distance between our bodies, my heart hammered, and I held my breath. Just once, I wanted to be able to be free. To be able to let go and enjoy him. To be able to live just a little. No rules, no control.

“Look at me, Abbie.”

I stubbornly kept my gaze pinned to his broad chest.

His voice was a whisper that caressed my skin. “Abbie. It’s okay. Look at me.”

The pleading in his voice broke my resolve. How was I supposed to resist gorgeous and seductive and pleading?

When my gaze met his, his eyes were soft.

“Can I kiss you?”

20

Abbie…

My legs trembled as Lex’s scent wrapped me in a warm cocoon of mint and something woodsy. He smelled fresh and clean. Like the fresh start I needed. Like the man I wanted.

I swallowed hard then nodded. My body wanted him, yet my brain was hesitant. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to get distracted. But here in the darkened photo lab, with the whirring of the printer for company, I wanted to lose myself, forget who I was. I wanted to lose myself in him.

When his lips touched mine, they were firm and warm. Electricity tingled over my skin. His hands lifted to my face, and his touch was soft as he stroked my cheekbones with his thumbs.