let her out until she said something. Even if his actions were a bit domineering, Kira found the lusty side of herself responding to him as a tug of desire pulled at her.
“Perhaps… perhaps there is a better explanation?” Kira finally offered, and breathed a sigh of relief when Brogan dropped his hands. She had been entirely too close to throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him down for another electrifying kiss.
“I don’t know what is going on, and that’s the truth of it. I went to visit the development the day after Dylan told me about it. From my records, it does look to be on my land. But I swear to you, I have no part in this. I’ve contacted the land surveyor to come out and assess where they’re building. I couldn’t get a straight answer out of any of the men on the crew, and I still don’t know the company behind the development. All I can be telling you is that I have had nothing to do with this.”
“The development is hurting Fergal’s habitat,” Kira said. “He told me it’s blocking the water from the stream. The other otters are suffering. This is a problem.”
“One I’d be more than happy to fix, because I certainly don’t want any wildlife to suffer.” Brogan spun about and stomped a few feet away, his agitation clear. “I’m an environmental scientist, Kira. Perhaps your limited understanding of this job makes you think I want to destroy the environment?” Brogan whirled again, stomping back to her, clearly working himself up into a snit.
Kira opened her mouth. “I… well…”
“Well, it doesn’t, okay? I actually care about nature. I care about what gets developed on the land. I study habitats to see how they would be harmed by development. I look at sustainable and environmentally-friendly options for inevitable progress. My whole life is designed around putting nature first. The fact that you would even think…” Brogan broke off, pressing his lips together, and then let out a stream of low muttered curses.
Kira tried again. “It’s just that –”
“It’s just that you were willing to believe rumors instead of asking me directly. You… you come out here and kiss me and then turn around and think poorly of me. All of which I had no say in.”
Brogan was close to her again and Kira’s stomach did a funny little dance as he leaned closer to her. Her eyes hovered on his mouth for a second.
“Yes, that! With those witchy eyes and come-hither mouth. You’ll seduce me and condemn me in the same breath.”
Kira realized now how truly angry he was, and it was more than just about her assumptions of his involvement in the development. He was genuinely hurt.
“One is separate from the other,” Kira said.
“And I have no say in this? You’ve made up your mind and that’s it?”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Well? How am I wrong then? Tell me.” Brogan leaned over her again, and she realized just how much taller he was than her. In other circumstances, she might have felt protected. But right now, all she felt was shame. The man was right. The least she could have done was had the decency of asking him first instead of accusing him.
“You’re…” Kira sighed. “You’re absolutely right. That’s the truth of it. I can be a little hotheaded at times. I should’ve been asking you directly instead of jumping to conclusions.”
“Thank you.” Brogan stepped back and forced himself to take a few deep breaths.
“You’ve a temper on you, then. I wasn’t expecting that.” Kira watched Brogan carefully, wondering just how to proceed with him. If anything, her attraction for him had grown.
“It doesn’t rear its head often. I prefer to live a calm and peaceful life. Anger is a disruptive emotion. Especially in nature.” Brogan didn’t look at her, but gazed out toward the water instead.
Kira took a moment before coming to a decision. There were two things she realized quickly – that she was very attracted to Brogan, and that she would have no future with him if she hid who she was. Not after he’d reacted so fiercely to the accusation of being a liar. If Kira fancied any sort of… anything with him, she’d need to be upfront from the beginning. A shiver of nerves worked through her as she walked to him and stopped just inches away, looking up at his still-angry face.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” The tension in Brogan’s brow smoothed.
“Since it’s trust you’re on