Jasper’s shoulders dip at her response. His heart warms, “Thank you,” he says under his breath.

It takes a moment for him to realize the position they are in. Eliana is so close to him, that the heat of her body causes his skin to itch. Every nerve stands on end, wanting to get closer. He opens his mouth to speak once more, his gaze lingering on her lips as she bites it. He slides his hand from her cheek to the back of her head, and then is reminded of his mother’s ...