The Fall and Catch.

As they stared at each other, they could both see the reflection of their feelings in the other person's eyes.

"I shouldn't have said that," It was Clea speaking. "I didn't mean it. I promise."

Hunter looked away. He got up and walked into the room.

Clea followed him. "I'm very sorry—"

The door jammed on her face as the last word left her mouth.

"You owe me an apology too!"

The door opened as fast as it shut, taking Clea off-guard. She gazed into his eyes, sucking up the deep of his expression. Overwhelmed, but unable to back out. There was only resentment in his eyes, but Clea convinced herself it was fake. She told herself he didn't really despise her. That he was sorry for what he said, too.

"No."

"What?"

"I don't owe you an apology."

He was being incredulous. Clea swallowed, unsure of where she could go with this. Then suddenly, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. With his facing down, and hers facing up, the distance between their faces was in inches. Strong arousal we