"This." He crossed to her, his hand came up to cup her face, thumb brushing across her cheekbone. "Couples touch. Casual affection in public. If we're going to sell this, we need to be comfortable with each other. We need to kiss and it not be weird because if you fight me or jump when I touch you, it could be seen. But I also don't want to scare you. Do you feel safe with me?"

Lauren's breath caught at the contact. His hand was warm, rough with calluses. He was surprisingly gentle for a big ...