Annie took one look at him and just walked right into his arms.
Like it was the most natural move in the world. Turner’s arms closed around her, and he cuddled her close. Smoke-scented hair and clothes and all.
“I’m sorry, Annie-Belle.” His hands were warm on her back. His chest was strong pressed against her. Annie just laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes.
Just forgot the fire for a minute. Forgot all the worries she’d had to face over the last few weeks, first with the eviction letters, the court process, the storm, recovering, Izzie shot, Jake being missing, Delancey McKellen. Everything.
Why couldn’t she just take a few minutes to forget about all of that?
“I just want everything to go back to calm and normal, Turner. I’m not so sure that’s too much to ask.”
“I know.” He wrapped strong hands around her waist. And lifted until her lips were level with his. “I wish I knew how to make it that way for you. There’s nothing else in the world I want to do more than make the world better for you.”
Her stomach dropped out of her at the intensity of his words.
It wasn’t just mild attraction or physical lust in his tone. Far from it.
He was looking at her almost the same way Houghton looked at Mel.
Annie didn’t know what to do now.
So she did the one thing her heart was telling her to do.
Annie leaned closer. And kissed him.