Chapter 6

To get away from his conflicting thoughts, Ashton shoved back his chair and stood. “How about a walk, Miss Lambert?”

“I’d love a walk along the beach,” she said shyly.

The waves rolled and crashed on the shore as birds screamed overhead, and the low murmur of chatter and laughter of the other guests slowly faded. The skies were deepening with the pink, gold, and purplish hues of dusk.

He led the way to a large outcropping of rocks that curved like a cupped hand. As soon as they were alone, out of sight of prying eyes, Ashton pulled her into his arms. “I’m going to kiss you, Lorilee. Now is the time to tell me no.”

She smiled that sweet, sexy, and shy smile. “I don’t want to tell you no, Tom. I want you to kiss me.”

“What about your rules?” he asked, smiling.

She shrugged. “We’re not dating, and that rule trumps the others.” She tipped her head back and parted her lips in invitation. Tom pulled her close, one arm banded around her waist, the other