I did feel it—terribly, inescapably. The air between us crackled, charged with possibility and peril. But voicing it would shatter the life I'd built. 'I... I have to go. This was a mistake.' I stepped away, smoothing my rumpled shirt with trembling hands, cheeks still flushed from the kiss.

He nodded, the hurt flickering briefly in his eyes before he masked it with that easy smile. 'Okay. I get it. But Jane—this isn't over. Not for me. Coffee was just the beginning.'

The walk back to ...