MAXINE

My heart fluttered and I cursed myself for it. I had to stay focused but his touch and his words made it so hard. He pressed another kiss to my lips.

A moment later, I pulled back and stepped out of his embrace. “Thank you, Ronan,” I said.

He smiled back, his eyes filled with something I didn't want to name. “Anything for you, Maxine,” he replied.

And as I turned to leave, I felt a pang in my chest. A small part of me wanted to stay and I wondered if I was making a ...