Seven Times in One Day

"Can I possibly..." he finally ventured to ask, his deep eyes filled with hope and a pleading carefulness, as if afraid of hurting her.

A flicker of panic crossed Avery Miller's mind as she felt his touch, her heart seemingly racing even faster.

No, she couldn't let herself be easily swayed by him, she couldn't soften her heart so readily. Although this place seemed deserted, it was still daylight, and someone might pass by. She couldn't bring herself to consent to something so daring and breathtaking.

"No, Ethan Montgomery, you can't," she said, gripping his collar and shaking her head frantically, fearful that he might pounce, catching her off guard and making her capitulate. She needed to maintain that last bit of reason to bring him back to his senses.

"At least... not here," she added, almost begging.

Ethan Montgomery looked into her eyes, his gaze still aflame with desire, but he forcefully subdued it.