Why did something inside her twist sadly at that? Was it because she felt guilty for their kiss—that he’d initiated? The kiss that had helped end his relationship with Hannah?
Or was it because maybe, just maybe, she was the tiniest bit jealous?
“I know you do.” She paused. “How did she react when you talked to her?”
“There’s not a chance in hell.” He gave a harsh laugh. “Maybe she didn’t say those exact words, because Hannah isn’t the swearing type. But she made it clear I was being a fool.”
Oh, undoubtedly, he was, but despite their constant friction, she wasn’t that much of a bitch to throw the reply aloud at him.
“Look, I know you’re hurting right now, but you won’t be forever. And I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true.”
“Don’t patronize me,” he scoffed.
Okay, clearly, I am going to be a bitch.
“Do you really want to be the guy whining and feeling sorry for yourself right now?”
His eyes rounded and his mouth opened, but no words came out.
“Just because your relationship ended doesn’t mean you can’t love again.”
He went to move past her, but she caught his arm and stopped him.
“Listen to me.” She stepped closer and captured his face and made him look at her. “It doesn’t mean another woman will never make you laugh. Or make you cry. It doesn’t mean you’ll never care for another woman, or never want to sleep with one.”
He grabbed her wrists, and she was sure he was going to push her away. Instead, his fingers traced the sensitive inside of her wrists.
Her pulse quickened beneath his touch, and she drew in a steadying breath.
“I know you can’t see it now, but it’ll happen with someone else. Most likely more than once.”
“There’s no one else I want.” Despite his harsh words, he didn’t let her go.
“No one else youwant?” She gave him a slow smile and tilted her head. “Are you sure about that?”
He needed a distraction and, damn it, she was just going to have to fall on that sword and give it to him.
He’d taken that kiss from her months ago, and now it was time to take one of her own. She pressed herself close, rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips across his.
He froze, but didn’t move away. His words were a whisper on her lips.
“What are you doing?”
“Making a point.”
He still didn’t move as she teased her tongue past his lips to find his, lashing it with slow, erotic strokes. And then she sucked.
That must’ve been what broke him.
He dropped her wrists, grabbed her around the waist, and crushed her to him. Her breasts flattened against his chest as his mouth plundered hers.
Just as quickly as she’d had control, she’d lost it.
It was hard to care, though, because, god, he tasted so good. So vulnerable. So intoxicating. So angry.
So perfectly James. This was even better than that first kiss in the car.
They stumbled around in the tiny tent, lips still locked as they each struggled for dominance. Things got kicked over, they tripped on a bag.