Her soft body pressed against him, their breaths mingling, her cheek almost brushing the skin on his neck.

Van was caught off guard by her question, his breath and heartbeat both disordered. In the stillness, he released her and stepped back. His abruptness caused him to lose the usual calm and ease he carried.

"Sorry," he murmured, no matter what kind of woman she was, an apology was still needed.

"No need!" Winnie quickly responded, her gaze dropping elsewhere. "I was the ...