Every Vow She Breaks by Jannine Gallant Read Free Book Online

about everything, from school and sports to a career in law enforcement. He needed to excel. I just wanted to have fun.”
    “If it makes you happy…” She raised the camera and aimed skyward into the canopy.
    “It does.” Doesn’t it? For the first time since he’d dropped out of college an eternity ago, doubt about his choices niggled. Of course he was happy. A little lonely on occasion, but wasn’t everyone?
    “I’m losing the light.”
    “Huh?” He jerked to attention.
    “The fog’s creeping back in. We might as well turn around.” Lifting the camera from around her neck, she returned it to its case in her backpack.
    “Sure. Let’s go.”
    Neither said much as they headed down the path. When Claire tripped on an exposed root, he lunged forward, grasped her around the waist and hauled her upright, slamming her against his chest. The floral scent of her shampoo invaded his senses, and he breathed deep.
    “Thanks.” Her voice was breathless. “I almost took a header. That’ll teach me to pay more attention…”
    When she turned in his arms, he relaxed his hold, but not by much. His blood heated as he met her gaze. Her breath fanned his neck on an exhaled gust as she stared back through wide eyes. His fingers tightened at her waist.
    “You okay?” At her nod, he dipped his head. “Good.”
    He gave her time to pull away, hesitated for a fraction of a second before pressing his mouth to hers. When a tiny noise not unlike the purring of a kitten escaped her lips, the remainder of his self-control vanished. One hand hovered then clasped the seat of her jeans to cup the enticing firmness beneath as he tugged her tight against him to settle into the kiss. She tasted of fresh air and woman, bringing his heated blood to a boil. His body’s reaction was instantaneous. Brain cells scattered with the temptation of soft, warm female.
    She pulled back, dragging her mouth away from his. “Jed?”
    His lips caressed the angle of her jaw then dropped to the soft skin beneath her ear. “Hmmm?”
    “We can’t do this.”
    “Kiss? Why not?”
    She quivered when he flicked his tongue against the side of her neck.
    “Feels like you want to do more than just kiss.”
    Finally, he drew back. Blue eyes held a touch of panic mixed with desire above cheeks blooming with color. Letting out a long breath, he gave her a few more inches of space but didn’t release her completely.
    “There’s a big difference between wanting and doing. Should I apologize?”
    “No, I think we’ve both anticipated that kiss since we ran into each other in the diner yesterday. Doesn’t mean I’m going to take things to the next level.”
    He touched her flushed cheek. “I respect your feelings, but for the record, I’ve wanted to kiss you for a lot longer than two days.”
    “You have?”
    “I almost did once, back when we were kids, then I chickened out. After all, I was only ten. Still, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.” He stepped away, missing her warmth before it was entirely gone. “I also don’t intend to jeopardize our newfound friendship by pushing you if you aren’t up to it yet. The ball’s in your court. Let me know when you’re ready to play.”
    “Are you so sure I’ll want to play ?”
    He grinned at the irritation glimmering in her eyes. “Let’s just say I like my odds.”
    “Really.” Adjusting her pack, she headed back down the trail.
    He had to hustle to keep up.
    Jamming her hands into her pockets, she glanced over her shoulder. “Has any woman ever told you no before?”
    “Why do I feel the truth will only get me in trouble?”
    She laughed, and humor replaced the annoyance curling her lips. “I shouldn’t be in the least surprised. You’re a hard man to resist, Jed Lafferty, but I’m pretty sure I’m up to the task.”
    “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
    Her smile grew. “Don’t hold your breath. I never learned CPR.”
    “Too bad. I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy