say another word； she was imprisoned between his thighs。
〃All work and no play…〃
〃Makes a successful scientist。〃
〃And a very dull woman。〃
She frowned； unwittingly taking his bait。 〃Do you think my work is
dull？〃 Her disappointment was genuine。 So was the devastatingly handsome
smile that spread across his face。 The hands that were looped loosely
behind her； now brought her closer。
〃Nothing about you is dull；〃 he said； 〃except your determination to hold
me at arms' length。〃
Arms' length was a lot farther than where she was now。 Well within the
circle of his arms； with her hands braced at the point where his jeans
met his hips； she was under his spell。
Ross lowered his head and kissed her； tasting the sweetness of her
mouth； and it struck her that she might well have been too successful at
her own game。 By denying the past； she was responding to him in the
present alone。 Her return kiss was gentle； sampling。 She played with
being free of all memory； all guilt。 Her lips opened to his。 She gave of
herself as she hadn't done in years。
〃That was nice；〃 he whispered against her mouth； then pulled away and
set her back before she could do it herself。 He trailed a long thumb
across her cheek to the lips he'd just left。 〃We'll do it again soon。〃
It was said so gently and carried such lightness that Chloe couldn't
help b