Seductive Suspect - Page 28

I picked at the peeling paint on the window frame. “I don’t know.”

Adam shrugged and faced the trees again. “Whatever you decide, I’ll be out here a while longer.”

I remembered how nervous I’d felt in the library, and how he’d helped put me at ease. Even if I had no proof of his guilt or his innocence, one relentless thought echoed loud and clear. I didn’t want to let fear consume me. I was tired of being afraid.

Slipping on my worn sneakers, I opened the door. His head tilted at the noise, but he didn’t move. I joined him on the far side of the balcony, a faint breeze ruffling my hair.

“You’re not going to throw me over the railing or anything, are you?” I tried to joke.

No laughs, not even the hint of a smile. “Of course not.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“I don’t want to talk about any of that stuff right now.” Adam let out a puff of air. “Maybe it’s stupid and naïve, but if I’m out here, it’s easier to pretend nothing horrible is going on inside.”

“I understand.”

I followed his gaze out over the dark smudge of trees. Overhead, countless stars splayed across the inky sky, paling in comparison to the luminous full moon. Though undoubtedly magnificent, the panoramic view made me feel even more small and helpless.

Another breeze wafted by, carrying the scent of pine needles. I shivered and rubbed my bare arms. The thin tank top I wore did little to protect me from the evening’s cooler temperatures. “I guess I didn’t really dress for the occasion,” I said. “Besides, my sweatshirt’s still damp from yesterday.”

He nodded back toward the row of doors. “I can run inside and grab my jacket, if you’d like.”

“No, thanks. I’ll be fine.” I tried not to let my chattering teeth belie the statement.

Adam moved behind me. I tensed, then relaxed as his broad hands covered my shoulders. His skin against mine sent flutters throughout my body. Heart racing, I inched backward and leaned into him.

He wrapped his arms around me, folding me into a warm embrace. We stood motionless beneath the stars, his light breath tousling the hair at my temple. A near-imperceptible shift occurred in the world around us. Suddenly, the universe didn’t feel so uncaring and daunting. I wasn’t as alone and powerless as I’d thought.

My pulse raced, and I found both solace and excitement enveloped in his arms. I wanted more from him. Turning, I remained in his grasp and gazed into his eyes. Moonlight reflected in their depths, mesmerizing me.

“This was inevitable, wasn’t it?” I murmured.

“Mm?” His face hovered dangerously close to mine.

“Us, winding up here, like this.”

“Maybe so.” Adam dropped his hands to my waist, pulling us closer together. “I won’t comment on the paths leading us here,but I will say that from the first time I saw you, I hoped for this chance.”

The crisp mountain air no longer felt so cold. Heat spread over my body. His head ducked down, and he captured my mouth in a gentle kiss. Soft lips pressed against mine. I melted farther into his embrace. His tongue slid forward, and I welcomed it, reveling in his sweet taste.

I ran my hands over his shoulders and laced my fingers behind his neck. Lost in his kiss, I pretended we were two normal people surrounded by beautiful scenery, doing nothing more than succumbing to a mutual attraction in one exhilarating moment. Even if something terrible happened to me later on, I could say I chose happiness over fear.

Our kiss grew more fervent, and his grip on me tightened. I let out a small whimper when he pulled away, but he beamed at me. “Stay with me tonight,” he said.

The edge in his voice sent a shiver through me, although my cheeks burned hot.

“Since we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, let’s be together now.”

A tremble shook my knees, and I was glad his strength supported me. Several tiny wisps of doubt flitted through the back of my mind, yet my desire for him overpowered them.

“Okay,” I said, the single word all I managed to get out.

Adam took me by the hand and led me toward his room. I floated across the balcony behind him in a dreamy haze. Once he opened the door, though, all semblances of tenderness disappeared.

Inside, he shoved me against the door and assaulted my mouth with a crushing kiss. His lips whisked away my noise of surprise, and a new wave of need washed over me. Yearning to discover more of him, I balled my fists in his T-shirt, anticipating the feel of the firm muscles underneath.

He cupped both sides of my face with his hands, the pressure of his lips never relenting. Though pinned to the door, I rolled my hips to meet him. His fingers drifted down to my neck, and I gasped.