You're Just Letting Me Go

Her lips touched Alexander's.

Evelyn closed her eyes nervously.

Her long eyelashes fluttered.

His warm breath hit her skin.

A sudden panic surged inside her.

She instinctively wanted to pull back.

But Alexander seemed to read her mind.

His hand moved quickly to the small of her back.

He held her firmly, preventing any escape.

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise.

Before she could speak, he deepened the kiss.

A soft sound escaped her lips.

She held her breath without realizing it.

The intensity quickly left her breathless.

Alexander noticed her struggle.

He loosened his grip slightly.

His rough fingertips brushed a tear from her lip.

"Is this really your first sober kiss?" he murmured. "You still forget to breathe."

His teasing made her blush deeper.

She gave him a look of mock anger.

It held no real threat.

She didn't know how she looked.

Her flushed cheeks and bright, wet eyes captivated him.

Her lips were soft, pink, and inviting.

They stirred a deep desire in Alexander.

He swallowed hard.

His Adam's apple moved visibly.

His gaze darkened with want.

Evelyn's heart pounded wildly.

Her breathing quickened.

She shyly looked away.

She expected him to kiss her again.

Instead, he pressed his lips together.

He moved his wheelchair back slightly.

"You should change out of those wet clothes," he said calmly. "You'll get sick."

Evelyn stared at him, stunned.

Her eyes were wide with disbelief.

He looked completely composed.

Had she imagined the passion of moments ago?

"What did you say?" she stammered. "You're just letting me go?"

Shock made her almost bite her tongue.

She searched his face for any hint of emotion.

Had their kiss meant nothing to him?

Alexander chuckled softly at her reaction.

"What else should I do?" he asked.

He watched her with curious amusement.

"If you don't want this, I won't force you," he added.

What?

When had she ever said that?

Evelyn pointed at herself, confused.

"I don't want to?"

She was just being shy!

That was all!

Frustration bubbled inside her.

She mentally called him clueless and dense.

Then a realization hit her.

He was trying to be a gentleman.

He was respecting her feelings.

Feeling a little braver, she challenged him.

"Who said I didn't want to?"

But her courage faltered as her eyes met his.

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

He gently pinched her chin.

"Is that so?" he teased.

He paused for a moment.

Then he sighed.

"I don't want to pressure you," he said. "Last time... you were drunk. I shouldn't have taken advantage."

He helped her stand up.

He began to turn his wheelchair to leave.

Panic seized Evelyn.

She grabbed his arm.

"That's not true!" she insisted. "Even if I was sober, I would have wanted it!"

Alexander turned back.

He shook his head.

"You don't have to say that to make me feel better."

But she was telling the truth!

Frustrated, words failed her.

She acted on pure impulse.

She threw her arms around his neck.

She crushed her lips against his in a desperate kiss.

Without thinking, her hands went to the buttons of his wet shirt.

She started to undress him.