Two to Tangle (A Tangle Valley Romance #2) - Melissa Brayden Page 0,42

said anything, so she continued. “That’s new for me, and it has me, well, not always knowing the right thing to do or say. I’m sorry about that part. I think that—”

She didn’t get to finish because Gabriella’s lips were on hers as the world skidded to a glorious, mystifying pause. Gabriella had leaned across the center of the cab and caught Ryan’s mouth, pressing her soft and surprisingly warm lips to Ryan’s. Just as Ryan had a chance to absorb what was happening, Gabriella pulled back an inch, met her eyes briefly, before going back in, this time determined, hungry, and hot as hell. Ryan didn’t hesitate to return the kiss, lost in a haze of shock and lust. Her hands slid beneath Gabriella’s jaw, cradling her face as they kissed each other with the built-up tension she’d been drowning in for weeks now. She wasn’t alone there. She knew as much now. She could feel it through every second of that kiss. Gabriella’s wet hair tickled the top of her hand, and everything in Ryan’s body screamed for more. She slipped her tongue into Gabriella’s mouth, pulling a murmur of appreciation. She’d fantasized about kissing this woman, but the reality was so starkly different. It rocked her, amounting to so much more than she could have imagined or even hoped for. Suddenly, she wasn’t chilled from the rain. In fact, every part of her was warm, alert, and on fire.

“Wow,” Gabriella said, pulling her face back. For a moment, the only sounds in the truck were the rain and their joint attempt to find air. “I should apologize. Right?”

“Don’t you dare,” Ryan said.

Gabriella swallowed and took a moment, as if sorting through her thoughts. Ryan could identify. Hers raced. “It’s not a good idea, Ryan. You? Me? C’mon.”

“We’re adults.”

“In very different places with entirely different wants, needs, and trajectories. I’m not the hookup type, and I don’t want to be.”

“I know that.” Ryan studied the ceiling, as thunder struck. “I don’t know what place I’m in.” She shook her head, trying to explain and failing to locate the words she needed. “But it’s somewhere new. I want things I’ve never even thought about for myself before, and I wish I knew how to communicate them. But I’m not sure I even understand it.”

Gabriella nodded. Thank God she didn’t discount Ryan’s feelings right off. “How about this? Why don’t we work on our friendship? Something a little more practical, and I will try not to maul you in any more thunderstorms.”

“No. I’d rather work on other things,” Ryan said with a grin, doing her best to be persuasive. She just wanted a chance to prove she wasn’t a consummate player who would disregard Gabriella’s feelings. She didn’t have to be that, didn’t want to be.

“Ryan.” Gabriella covered her eyes with the heels of her palms, and for the first time, Ryan witnessed her struggle.

“Hey, it’s okay. I get it. I see what you see, okay? I don’t fault you.”

“It sounds awful when you put it that way.” Gabriella held out her hand and let it drop in defeat. “I’m trying to keep my life simple right now. Do I happen to find you ridiculously attractive?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “God, yes. And do I now know you have the best lips on the planet? Unfortunately, I do. Dammit. Hold on.” She reached for Ryan, finding her lips. With a laugh, Ryan happily obliged, sinking into the wonder of Gabriella’s mouth, letting her take control and relishing the power of her kiss. Her skills were not just good, but expert level. If only the damn cup holders weren’t in the way. She leaned halfway across anyway, hoping to ease the burden for Gabriella, anything to keep the kiss from ever ending because it was the most exciting and wonderful place to be.

“Good God,” Gabriella whispered against her mouth.

“I don’t see any reason to stop doing this,” Ryan murmured and kissed her again. Deeply.

“Just for a moment longer,” Gabriella gasped out a beat later, then went in again, angling her mouth for better access. Damn, the things this woman was inciting in Ryan from her head to her tingly, impassioned toes. And finally, and tragically, Gabriella pulled away again. She closed her eyes, and then opened one sheepishly. “I attacked again.”

“There are better words for it.”

“Still. I’m horrible.”

“Don’t say that,” Ryan whispered and placed her thumb over the lips she would be dreaming about tonight and for many