As they strolled out to the truck after dinner, Brett slid an arm around Sidney’s waist and held her body against his. She stiffened a little but tried not to move away. She couldn’t help being a little worried that he might be turned off by the extra pounds on her already curvy figure. Especially since he hadn’t answered Max’s question inside about the two of them getting back together.

But she was still grateful. The warmth of his arm provided her with some comfort and relief against the chill in the air and the cold drops of rain that fell from the darkened sky. Fortunately, they both made it into the truck before the spattering of rain turned into a full-blown downpour.

Brett drove her home and then parked at her curb. “Look at that. I managed to get you home at a respectable hour. It’s only nine o’clock.”

Yeah, almost too respectable to be considered a date.

She could tell he wasn’t planning to stay since he hadn’t turned off his engine, but she thought maybe she’d give it a shot anyway. “Would you like to come inside for a little while?”

He didn’t hesitate. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oh. Okay,” she mumbled, embarrassed that she’d even asked.

“But I’m happy to walk you to your door to make sure you get inside.”

She peered out the front windshield at the substantial amount of rain water sliding down the glass. It was a freaking monsoon out there. “No, that’s all right. There’s no point in both of us getting wet.”

“I’m not scared of a little water.”

Little? She’d be lucky to make it to her front door without drowning. “Seriously, I’ll be fine. Good night, Brett.”

He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her face to his, stopping only centimeters from her lips. “Good night, Sid,” he murmured, his tone deepening as his warm breath wafted over her closed lips. Then he leaned forward and brushed his mouth lightly over hers.

Her lips trembled against his, and her heart began to race. With each swipe of his firm mouth, tingles erupted throughout her body. But he was barely touching her, and she wanted more. So she tilted her head to the side and parted her lips to give him better access and invite him to take the kiss further.

But instead, Brett broke the kiss and pulled away. “Uh, we need to slow down.”

What? Not again.