“Why are you denying it?”

“Because it’s not true.”

His eyes gleamed. “Bullshit. That’s why you stopped kissing me too. You’re afraid.”

“Of what. A kiss?” Preslee rolled her eyes. “Get real.”

Adam lifted one brow. “No. But you’re afraid of something. What is it?”

She hesitated and licked her lips nervously as she glanced away. “Nothing. I just…don’t know.”

“Yeah, you do. Tell me what’s scaring you.” He surveyed her, confusion flashing in his eyes. But he must’ve seen the fear in her shaking body because he grasped her chin gently and turned her face fully up to his in order to look into her eyes. “Are you afraid that I’ll leave, Preslee? Tell me the truth.”

Overwhelmed, she didn’t speak. She couldn’t. Because he had hit the nail on the head, and the truth was cutting through her like a sharp blade. Her heart seized up inside her chest as tears began to leak onto her cheeks, but she didn’t speak.

“I’m right, aren’t I? You think that if we get involved, I’ll eventually leave. Like your mother did.”

She sniffed, swiping a tear from her cheek. “Like everyone does.”

His eyes filled with sympathy, which was exactly why she didn’t want to admit it to begin with. But then he smiled warmly, his eyes intense on hers. “I need you to understand something, Preslee. I’m not like everyone else.”

“Don’t say it. Don’t say something you don’t mean.”

He smiled. “I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Adam wasn’t going to let this go. It was too important. Preslee needed to believe that not everyone would leave her, and he was happy to be the one to deliver the message. Loud and clear. “Do you understand me, Preslee? I want you.”

She blinked her glassy blue eyes. “What do you mean?” she asked hesitantly, her voice low.

“You heard me. I. Want. You.”

She shook her head in disbelief or possibly denial. “You mean as friends.”

“No, I’m talking about these feelings I have for you.” He breathed out a heavy sigh. “Look, I’ve tried to ignore them because you’re my client. But it’s impossible to do anymore. Damn it, I’m too far gone.”

He kissed her temple, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, before nibbling on her earlobe. One hand tangled into her soft hair and tugged gently, guiding her to tilt her head back as he slowly licked his way down her jawline, seeking her lush mouth. When he found it, her full lips were already parted, and he made a shallow sweep inside with his tongue. She immediately returned the gesture, and her fingernails scraped the back of his neck.