Page 33 of Knot So Sweet
"What if I told you there might be a way to combine your writing skills with helping the clinic?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Cedar Ridge doesn't exactly have a strong online presence. Most of our businesses barely have websites, and the few we do have aren't exactly compelling. But what if someone were to write feature articles about our little town? Showcase the businesses, the people, the charm of mountain life?"
I can see her mind working, the wheels turning as she considers the possibilities.
"Like travel writing? Destination pieces?"
"Exactly. And if those articles happened to mention the excellent veterinary care available at Mairi Veterinary Services,or the amazing baked goods at Rise & Shine, or the outstanding mechanical work at Bradley's Garage..."
"Content marketing," she says, and there's genuine excitement building in her tone now. "Creating articles promoting the businesses while providing valuable content to readers."
"I'm suggesting we use your talents to help this community struggling economically for years. Tourism could be a real game-changer for Cedar Ridge, but people need to know we exist first."
"Hell yes," she says with a big grin.
Then she's moving, launching herself at me before I can prepare. Her arms wrap around my neck, her body colliding with mine in a hug that's all enthusiasm and gratitude and pure joy.
I catch her automatically, hands settling on her waist to steady us both. She's warm and soft against me, her scent surrounding me completely. Vanilla and honey and something that's just her, making my alpha purr with satisfaction.
"Thank you," she says against my shoulder, her breath warm through my shirt. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
I should step back. Put distance between us before I do something stupid.
Instead, I pull back just enough to see her face. She's looking up at me, eyes bright with happiness, lips curved in that radiant smile. So close I can see the flecks of lighter blue in her eyes, can count the freckles across her nose.
My hand slides up from her waist, slow and deliberate, giving her time to pull away. She doesn't. My palm cups her cheek, thumb brushing across her skin. She's so soft. Her breath catches, and I watch her pupils dilate.
"Liam," she whispers, and my name on her lips breaks the last of my control.
I lean in, giving her every chance to stop me. She doesn't move away. Doesn't protest. Just tilts her face up, her eyes fluttering closed.
When my lips finally touch hers, it's gentle at first. Tentative. Testing. But she makes a small sound, somewhere between a sigh and a moan, and melts into me.
And I'm lost.
My other hand slides into her hair as I deepen the kiss. She tastes like coffee and something sweet, and it's intoxicating. Her fingers tangle in my shirt, pulling me closer, and I press her back against the desk, needing more contact, more of her.
She opens for me and the kiss turns hungry. Desperate. Her hands slide up my chest to my shoulders, then into my hair, tugging gently. The sensation sends heat straight through me.
This is wrong. This is so wrong.
The thought cuts through the haze and I jerk back, stumbling away from her. My chest is heaving, my hands shaking.
"God, I'm sorry." My voice comes out rough. "I shouldn't have done that. That was completely inappropriate."
She's leaning against the desk, breathing hard. Her lips are swollen, her eyes dazed. "Liam..."
"I've been wanting to do that all day," I admit. "But I shouldn't have. You're vulnerable, you just escaped an abusive relationship, and here I am taking advantage of you."
"Don't stop," she interrupts, her voice barely above a whisper.
I freeze. Stare at her. "What?"
"Don't stop." She pushes off the desk, taking a step toward me. Her eyes are dark, determined. "Kiss me again."
Every instinct screams at me to close the distance. To pull her back into my arms and finish what we started.
