But just as her lips neared his, Jayden pulled back, his movements slow but deliberate. His heart screamed to close the distance, to hold her, to kiss her. He’d wanted to since that night when they danced under the moonlight, when he first realized how deeply he felt for her. But guilt clung to him like a second skin, choking any chance of happiness before it could begin.

Rose froze, her breath catching in her throat. His rejection stung more than she wanted to admit. Wiping her ...