Page 142 of Protecting You

In for a penny, in for a pound, as they said.

He slid his hands along her hips and around to her back, pulling her against his chest.

Her heart nearly exploded with anticipation and desire and all the things she should definitely not be feeling.

But that reminder flitted away when he dove in.

This kiss shouldn’t have meant anything. Unlike their kiss in his kitchen the night before, this one was all for show.

But it did mean something. To her, it meant something.

Callan dipped her low, putting on a believable display for her family, earning catcalls and applause.

But the ruckus was drowned out by the feelings, all the conflicting feelings, scrolling across her heart.

All for show. It’s all for show.

But did it have to be?

Why couldn’t it be real?

Never, never in her life had she wanted someone the way she wanted this man. It wasn’t just physical desire, it was a heart-deep yearning for what he offered. Intelligence, kindness, gentleness. Connection.

Did he feel it? Or was it all one-sided?

He raised her to her feet again, then held her just far enough away to see her face. For the briefest moment, he looked tortured as he leaned in and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

The same words he’d said to her after their last kiss, moments before he’d rejected her.

The wound was sharp and deep and would certainly leave a scar.

Alyssa backed away, took off the ring, and handed it back. “I’ll wear it after we tell Peri.”

He nodded, returning it to the box, and then the box to his pocket.

Dad clamped a hand on Callan’s upper arm. “Come with me. Now.”

“Dad.” Worry had Alyssa’s volume rising. “What are you doing?”

Callan didn’t move except to step closer to her father. He leaned in, lowering his voice, but she was near enough to hear. “Take your hand off me, sir, or we’re going to have a problem.”

Whoa.

She’d never seen anybody talk to Dad like that.

They stared at each other.

Alyssa wanted to do something to lessen the tension, but Callan wouldn’t thank her, and her father didn’t need her help.

The people close enough to witness the interaction quieted, watching. Fortunately, most of the guests were oblivious.

Finally, Dad loosened his grip. He swiveled and marched away, expecting Callan to follow.

Callan moved in as if to kiss Alyssa’s cheek, whispering, “Keep an eye on Peri, please.”

“I’ll go join them.”

“No, you need to?—”

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