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I know this is wrong, that I shouldn’t be kissing a stranger in my father’s office in the middle of the night. But it feels so right.

He gentles the kiss, slowing it down, but somehow, that’s even more devastating. It’s tender now, almost reverent like he’s savoring me, memorizing the feel and taste.

I’m trembling in his arms, completely at his mercy. I’ve never been kissed like this before. Scratch that. It’s like Chris. Maybe that’s why I want it. It steals my breath and clouds my mind until there’s nothing left but the feel of his mouth on mine and—

He breaks away, panting heavily, his eyes on mine.

I feel drunk, adrenaline and desire cursing through me.

“These fucking perfect lips.” He skims his thumb over them, rough and calloused.

I open my mouth and see a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he presses down on my bottom lip. My lips part further, and he slides his thumb into my mouth. I close my lips around him and suck.

His eyes darken, transfixed, while I swirl over the pad of his thumb. I have no idea what’s come over me, but it’s arousing, making me crave more of his touch, his kiss. He appears enthralled, unable to tear his gaze away, and I continue sucking, feeling emboldened.

He removes it abruptly and steps back, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He looks almost panicked. So panicked, that he turns and strides out of the office without so much as a backward glance.

I stand there stunned, my lips still tingling.

What the hell just happened?

I plummet into my father’s desk chair, pressing my fingertips to my lips, swollen from his bruising kiss.

One minute, we were arguing, and the next, his mouth was hot and demanding on mine. And I responded. I don’t know why, but in that moment, it felt right. Natural, even. My body reacted before my mind could process what was happening.

This is crazy. I don’t even know his name. I should be afraid and upset. Why do I wish he would come back?

What is happening to me? Am I crazy?

Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it, and release.

I just kissed a stranger and loved—

The middle. Find your middle.

I put my hands together in front of my chest.

Namaste.

My phone. I should call my father and confirm. I reach for it in my back pocket, but it’s empty. Where is it? Didn’t I put it there? Is it still in my office?

I rush back into my office on trembling legs, searching for my phone. It’s not on my desk, not in my bag, not in the drawers, not on the floor.

Did—

My fingertips brush over my lips.

Did he steal it during the kiss?

Oh no.

Chapter 7

Connor

My right hand lingers over the door handle, the room card in my other hand. She wouldn’t even notice me coming in.

I should turn and go. Have I not already done enough damage?

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