“There’s something you should know.” Slow and serious, he enunciated every syllable, as though making sure she heard him clearly.

Nervous, she cleared her throat. “And that is?”

There it was again, that intense gaze. “I’m going to kiss you.”

“Wha—?”

“Within the next minute. I’m going to lower my face, press my lips against yours, and kiss you.”

“Y-you can’t.” Could he?

“When I do, I’m going to move my hand up so I can weave it through your hair. Like…this.”

His hand left her shoulder, grazing her neck as his fingers wound through her hair.

Goose bumps broke out along her spine, and she closed her eyes, fear rearing its ugly head.

Inhale. Exhale.

“Look at me.” His warm breath washed over her cheek

Was that apprehension shooting the goose bumps down her arms—or something else altogether?

He tugged gently on her hair, tipping her head back. “Open your eyes so you can see my face, understand my intent.”

Helpless to resist, she did and found him staring at her. His face was close enough to jerk her heart into a jagged beat.

His gaze trapped hers, his eyes filled with tenderness. “You’re safe with me,” he promised. “Always.”

Ava couldn’t speak. Couldn’t remember how.

She was safe with him. She knew it deep in her bones. So why was she trembling?

“Trust me.” He inched closer, then closer still, until she had to squint to keep him in focus.

The trembling turned to full-blown shivers.

“Trust me?” This time it was a question, asked so close, his breath whispered over her lips.

“Always.”

With a low groan, Jared pressed his mouth to hers.

Ava’s eyelids drooped. She couldn’t possibly keep them open under the onslaught of emotion hitting her from all sides.

Oh God. Oh God, oh God, oh God.

Jared was kissing her. Her best, closest friend in the whole wide world had set his mouth on hers—and kissed her.

God help her, it felt good. So good. So gentle and innocent. So sweet and…loving. Yet so unexpected. Eleven years ago she’d have died and gone to heaven at the feel of his lips on hers.

Now? She felt…she felt…

Absolutely terrified.

Tremors shook her body. Tears swamped her eyes.

Part of her ached to throw caution to the wind and sink into the kiss, but another part fought to yank free of his hold, turn tail and run.

Inertia held her motionless. How could she run—or respond—when her muscles had turned to jelly? They refused to obey the orders her brain sent. Or maybe her brain had forgotten to send out basic impulses.

Blood drained into her feet, making her weak.

Jared.

Kissing her.

Ava thought she might very well pass out from the pleasure and panic of it all.

He pulled away with another low groan. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”