45

ROSE

I glanced at the clock. It was nearly midnight, but I knew the raging feelings inside would continue to drive me. On impulse, I reached for his lips and took him in mine.

My breath caught in my throat. I was being so brazenly forward, especially for someone like Daniel who just made a misogynist remark at me.

A tremor went through me at his skill of working the tongue, at the thought of his touch. Part of me longed for that contact. The wiser part knew I shouldn't allow it. And yet, I gave in to the temptation.

His gentle fingers traced the raised ridge of my nape, sending tingles along my skin. Our faces were perilously close, his breath warm against my neck.

"Daniel..." I breathed his name like a prayer, leaning even closer. I could smell the sweet, manly scent of his hair.

That was my last tether to sanity. Abandoned it, claiming his lips with a fierceness that surprised us both. Daniel made a muffled sound in the back of his throat but kissed me back with equal ardor, his ar