And it did. The more they stood there talking, the more Harrison’s smile widened, his eyes lighting with laughter. If they had time, she would have turned around and demanded that Dawn take a good look at those eyes. Her sister might think Harrison’s smile was dangerous, but Sophie found that lurking twinkle to be much more powerful.

He could be happy, if only he’d let himself. If only he’d let me in.

He squared his stance to meet hers, Bubbles held under one of his arms like a football. With his broad shoulders and menacing air, he might have been preparing to tackle any number of oversize defensive linemen.

But he wasn’t. He was preparing to tackle her.

And if the look on his face was anything to go by, he knew he was up against a formidable foe.

“You, Sophie Vasquez, are nothing more than a tyrant.” He took a step forward, drawing so close their toes bumped. His were encased in steel-toed boots and big enough to give Sasquatch a run for his money; hers were daintily shod in ballet flats with vibrant teal bottoms.

“A tyrant?” she echoed. “Me?”

“Yes, you. You’re a tyrant and a deceptively innocent tormentor who delights in making me dance at her bidding.”

“Getting better.” She tilted her head up to his. “Keep going. What else am I?”

“A devil. A fiend. A hellhound in puppy’s clothing.” Each word was quieter than the one before, as though he was wooing her with sweet nothings. They felt like that too, his gruff voice causing a ripple of delight to shiver up and down her spine. “In other words, you’re my worst nightmare.”

She swallowed heavily, unable to look away from the intensity of his gaze. She’d thought his kisses by the barn had devoured her, but they had nothing on this total engulfing of her soul. In all her life, she’d never felt this powerful, this beautiful.

This strong.

“Anything else?” Her voice was hoarse.

“It’ll never work.” For the first time since this whole conversation had turned, he didn’t sound playful. Nor was he his usual rough and grumble self. In fact, he’d never sounded more earnest. “That’s the one thing I can guarantee. No matter how hard you fight or how many times you try, I’ll never be anything but this. The sooner you realize it, the better it will be for both of us.”