intensity。 Chloe's eyes were shut； her lips parted。 To taste him once
more 。。。 When he kissed her again； his tenderness incited her need。 She
moved closer； clung to him with her own lips； drank in the tang of his
mouth； so moist and strong yet soft。 His tongue touched hers briefly
before he raised his head。
〃Definitely my preference。〃 He spoke thickly； his breathing uneven。
Chloe was momentarily disoriented。 It was a minute before reality
returned。 Then she was appalled。 〃What am I doing？〃 she asked； not
realizing she'd spoken aloud。 〃What am I doing？〃
〃Letting yourself live；〃 came the husky but gentle declaration。
Burying her face in her hands； she struggled to understand what had just
happened。 She couldn't face him； much less herself。 Easier to hide
behind the cascade of hair that fell forward； shielding her from the
world。
Lost in silent self…reproach Chloe was unaware that he had moved away
and returned to the sofa。 He was waiting； listening； when she finally
raised her head。
〃Why are you doing this to me？〃 she pleaded softly。 〃Why can't you just
leave me alone？〃
He frowned。 〃Funny； I've asked myself the same question a dozen times in
the last two weeks。〃 He studied his knuckles； seeming to struggle。 〃It's
like for the first time in years； I care。〃
〃What do you mean？〃 she asked falteringly。
〃You asked me what I'