Enraged Wakin's

Oliver and Emily talked for a while. Emily was feeling down and dispirited so, Oliver was trying to comfort her.

Then, he half-closed his eyes as if in relief that Emily was better now, and as his eyelashes lowered, Emily saw how angular his cheekbones looked. He had lost weight, she thought, and was about to say so when he leaned down and kissed her.

She was so surprised at the feel of his mouth on hers that she went rigid all over, grabbing for the edge of the couch to support herself. She did not, however, push him away, and clearly taking this as a sign of encouragement, Oliver slid his hand behind her head and deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his. His mouth was soft, and the hand that cupped her neck was warm and gentle. He tasted like salt.

Emily let her eyes fall shut and for a moment floated dizzily in the heat, the feel of his fingers moving through her hair. When the harsh bark of Wakin's cut through her daze, she jumped back as if Oliver pushed her away, though he h