Kelly had a glass in her hand. It matched the beauty of the apartment. A work of art with delicate etching around the lip. She didn’t realize she was holding it tight until the fragile glass broke in her hand. She just stood there, staring at the broken pieces. Blood ran down her arm but she didn’t move.

She had no idea she was sinking down until Adam grabbed her and pulled her up. He moved her to the sink and ran cold water over the cut.

“Why didn’t you call out?” he asked. “It’s a wonder I heard the glass break.”

Kelly didn’t say anything while he cleaned the wound and declared it wouldn’t need stitches. He dried her hand, got a bandage from a drawer and taped it.

When he finished, he put his hand under her chin to lift her head. “I know you’re angry, but it’s going to be okay. Don’t be mad at Vera.”

She pulled away from him. “I’m not.”

“I’ve known you too long not to know when you’re furious. Quite often, it’s directed at me.” When she didn’t smile, he paused. “You can talk to me. Better me than raging at your sister. She’ll tear you apart and—”

“I’m not angry at Vera. I’m angry at me. I’m jealous. Just old-fashioned jealous. What’s so great about Vera that the two most eligible men in Franklin County are mad about her? Sex, sex, sex. She gets lots of it. But I get Pauly and there was nothing. Of course, there was the offer for the back seat of a Buick and I can’t forget a near rape by Tony Pullman. But why doesn’t a decent man want me?”

Adam stood in silence, staring at her.

“Right,” Kelly said. “It’s better that you don’t tell me the truth, that I’m too tomboy, or too...” She waved her hand. “Who wants a girl ducks like?” Adam was still silent. “I better go.” But he caught her arm. When she looked at him, he wore an expression she’d never seen before. She took a step backward.

“You think you aren’t desirable? I should get a Medal of Honor for keeping my hands off you.”

She stopped moving. “But you never—”

“No, I didn’t, but I’m going to.”

Kelly’s eyes widened. “Adam—” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Deeply, passionately kissed her.

Between masses of schoolwork and a boyfriend who never showed much interest in her physically, his kiss was a new experience. A glorious, wonderful experience.

Adam held her at arm’s length. “Stay here or go. But know that if you stay, you’re going to get that up-against-the-wall you’re so curious about.”

Kelly’s eyebrows rose. “My car isn’t here.”

“I can take you—”

“It looks like I’m staying.”