Deleted Scene

Colette

 

 

“They should kiss here,” I say.

 

Archer points and purses his lips. “I agree.”

 

“You do?”

 

“Yes. But what kind of kiss?” His eyebrows pull together and he looks so serious for someone talking about a fictional embrace. It makes me smile.

 

I tilt my head and study him glaring at our draft. “A good one.”

 

He snorts. “Well, of course, but what makes it a “good” one?”

 

Standing, he looks at me. The seriousness is still there in his slightly narrowed eyes, but there’s something else in the red-brown depths.

 

I close the distance between us. “He holds her face like this.” Demonstrating, I reach up and slide my fingers over his jawline until I’m touching the edge of his pointed ear. I’m not certain, but I think Archer shivers at my touch. In a good way. “And then he leans in.”

 

Archer’s gaze peppers my cheeks, then his mouth lifts at one side. “You’re too short to demonstrate this properly. Allow me.”

 

My stomach swoops as his hand mimics mine, his touch gentle. He bends his head. His lips are a breath away from mine. I’m sure he can hear my heart beating. I inhale shakily and try not to stare at his fangs as they press into the inside of his bottom lip. His other hand slips around my waist and he tugs me close. Angling my chin upward, he gazes into my eyes. 

 

Is he actually going to kiss me? 

 

“Sorry,” he says suddenly. “Yes.” He breaks away and swallows. “That will work.” He turns back to my desk and nods, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. 

 

I’d be sad if I hadn’t seen the longing in his eyes before he turned away.