When Love Matters Most. Kate James

house, Rick placed both helmets on his seat and walked her to her front door. She hadn’t thought to turn on the outside light, so they stood in the silvery glow of the moon.

      “Thank you for coming with me today,” Rick said.

      “I had a nice time. You work with great people.”

      “I hope those great people will stop flirting with you now when they bring their dogs to the clinic!” he joked.

      “And take all the fun out of my job?” she retorted.

      He laughed and reached out to tuck a strand of her hair that had come loose behind her ear. His fingers lingered on it, and when he took a step closer and lowered his head, she let her eyes flutter closed. She didn’t have to see him to know he was only inches away. She could feel his warmth, the caress of his breath. She didn’t exhale, anticipating the brush of his lips across hers.

      At the loud woo-hoo from behind the door, they both stepped back. Madison gave a nervous laugh.

      “Your chaperone?” Rick asked, his voice a little hoarse.

      “So it would seem.” Madison might not have been accustomed to good-night kisses on a first date, but she was disappointed that the opportunity with Rick had slipped away. There was something she really liked about him. A number of things, actually. “I had a nice time,” she repeated to fill the silence. “Thanks for inviting me.”