You’re being ridiculous, I tell myself firmly. It’s just a kiss. It’s for the investigation. He still doesn’t move. Still doesn’t speak. His smile widens, however, as the tip of our boots touch, as I stretch onto tiptoe, as I lift my face toward his. No one should be this beautiful up close. His lashes fan thick and dark against his eyes as he lowers his gaze to my lips. “I have to kiss you,” I whisper. Again, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear with startling affection. “I know.”
