Page 78 of Sweetheart

With a deep inhale, I drewup all my courage. Okay. I could do this. It was just a kiss. Right?

Not just, my heart said.It could never be just anything with Sam.

But I leaned forward anyway.

My lips met his in the softest of kisses. Eyes closed, I lingered there forseveral moments, enjoying the feel of his lips on mine way more than I should, before pulling away.Even that small touch was enough to have sparks going off inside my chest.

"There," I said, trying to seemunaffected. "Lesson one complete."

Sam was already shaking his head. "I don't think so."

"What? Why not?"

"Kent, if you kiss me like that people will think we're about to break up."

My eyes widened."They will not."

"Yeah, they will.That was lukewarm.It has to be hotter, more passionate."

"I think it was hot," I said with a sniff.

He gave me a dubious look as if to saySeriously?to which I rolled my eyes.

"Well, it was good for my first try.Plus, this car is so confining. I feel like I can't evenmove."

Sam'seyes narrowed. "You're blaming my car?"

"Maybe I am."

"Okay then," he said and popped the locks, "let's take this outside."

I went to argue, but he was already circling the car. Once he got to my door, Sam opened it for me and offered his hand. I ignored it and tried to get out on my own. Unfortunately,in my haste, the toe of my shoe caught on the floorboard. The car was already so low to begin with. I truly thought I would end up eatinggravel—but Sam was there. He caught me and righted me in the same breath.

"Try not to hurt yourself," he said.

I nodded, doing my best not to notice how good his arms felt around me.

"Also, that's what you get for insulting Lucinda."

"Who's Lucinda?" I asked.

"My car," he said. "She's very sensitive."

I tried not to smile, but it was a losing battle. Seeing this, Sam grinned back.

"She's also vindictive," I said.

He shrugged then closed the door. "What can I say? I likestrong girls, ones who aren't afraid to take what they want."

While he leaned back against the side of his car, I shook my head. "Was that your way of challenging me, Bishop?"

"No idea what you mean, Kent."

He raised a brow, telling me without saying a word that he knew exactly what I meant.

"Now, you want to try that kiss again?"

"Fine," I said.

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