Nine Months Part 2. BEVERLY BARTON

didn’t tell anyone else. Did you?” Slipping his arm around her waist, he drew her close, lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.

      She wanted to lose herself in the kiss, wanted to forget the reason she’d asked for this private audience with Jared. For one brief instant, she allowed herself to enjoy the kiss. She even responded. But as quickly as she’d succumbed to the temptation, she fought it, pulling back and shoving forcefully against his chest.

      “We cannot solve all our problems this way,” she said breathlessly. “I know what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work. I will not allow you to cloud my mind with passion.”