Ben knew exactly what she meant to do, because her mind was filled with it. Her nervousness, her determination, the same stubborn, single-mindedness that he'd found both infuriating and desperately intriguing.

"Alright," he said, one corner of his mouth twitching faintly. "Don't let me stop you."

He appeared calm, outwardly unaffected, but when he swallowed, his throat gave an audible click, his mouth suddenly dry, sweating palms coming to rest atop his own thighs.