15

In some part of her, Fin knew she was sitting on Virat’s lap. She could feel him where she pressed against his warmth. But it didn’t matter.

It had been years since she’d been held just to comfort. Years.

She rested her head against his shoulder. He had a broad, strong shoulder for holding a woman. His arms tightened.

Fin didn’t know how long she sat there, but the tears just kept coming. Finally, she pulled back. “I’m sorry. I’ve turned into a water fountain, apparently.”

“You have a right to.” He had a handkerchief. Silk. Of course, he would have a silk handkerchief.

There was something old-world gentlemanly about this man. She shivered. “I feel like a big wimp. Or an idiot.”

“You shouldn’t. We all have moments when we need a little extra help.” His hand stroked up and down her spine.

Her naked spine. The dress was extremely low cut in the back. She wasn’t wearing a bra. She was small enough not to need one, and the dress had built-in support.

Fin suddenly felt practically naked. The fingers of her left hand spread over the strong chest she leaned against. She pushed up a little. Away. She needed to put some space between them before the fire of him scorched her.

His hands didn’t stop her, but she couldn’t force herself to just move away.

He might be a flame against her, but she still wanted the warmth.

Her eyes met his. Virat had beautiful, rich dark-brown eyes. She’d always thought brown eyes were attractive. They always held so many secrets.

She suspected this man had his secrets, too.

His hand brushed through her hair. Fin tilted her head into his palm. “I—”

“This is unexpected.”

Fin nodded. “Yes.”

She knew exactly what the man was talking about.

Fin pulled in a deep breath. She might be way off the mark with this, but… Men didn’t pull women down onto their laps for completely platonic reasons.

And there was a look in his eyes she recognized.

Heat. Attraction. Wanting.

Fin leaned closer, every nerve in her body on high alert. Whatever she was doing, was crazy.

Her lips pressed to his. And for the first time in her life, Fin made the first move with a man she found attractive.