Exerpt from Best Laid Plans

Tessa climbed the stairs to her apartment, glad to be home. Outside, she felt too vulnerable. Too much like a target.

The moan of creaking wood above her slowed her progress. Either Zander was home, or her stalker was waiting for her.

“Hello?” she called, willing her voice not to shake.

Zander stepped into the stairwell and her worry fled.

“Hey, angel. How was work?”

“Fine. You know, the usual boring Saturday.” She didn't think it was wise to mention the extracurricular trip to the police station.

He waited by her door, seeming on edge, almost anticipatory. Her pace slowed further and a shadow of unease crept into the back of her mind. He could have easily placed the ribbon in her coat pocket last night.

She shook her head. Stress was making her paranoid. She knew without a doubt Zander wouldn't stalk her. He was probably waiting for her to get home in order to talk her into another insane idea. Reaching the top step, she skirted him and slid her key into the deadbolt. He followed her and she turned to face him, sandwiched between the door and his body.

There were worse places to be.

His chestnut hair hung loose today and she imagined sliding her fingers through the silky strands. She met his gaze and his focused concentration held her immobile.

Without warning, he lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips across hers and again with more purpose when she didn't resist. Warm and firm, his mouth moved over hers coaxing and caressing.

Her pulse beat like hummingbird wings against her throat and she lifted her hands to his chest. Heat rose from his body, along with the subtle scent of soap and something that was entirely Zander.

Zander. She was kissing Zander. Why was she kissing Zander? Slowly, he raised his head and Tessa took a great gulp of air.

Rational thought returned without the distraction of his lips against hers. “What the hell was that?” she demanded.

He grinned and she tried not to let her bones melt at the sight of it.

“Desensitization therapy. The answer to our problem.”

“What?” She blinked, trying to get her mind to catch up with her mouth. “What problem? What are you talking about?”

“When a client has an aversion to something, often a therapist will introduce the stimulus in small increments until the client becomes comfortable. Desensitized. The increments increase until the aversion no longer exists.”

“Are you insane?” she snapped. She wasn't as angry with him as she was with herself. She'd wanted more. Even now, her body tried to betray her by inching closer to him. She leaned back. “So you're planning to spend the next twenty-four hours kissing me until I don't jump when you touch me?”

“That was the plan.” He was serious.

Shaking her head, she turned from him and finished unlocking her door. “On what planet could this possibly be a good idea?”

“On this one.” She heard the smile in his voice. With gentle hands, Zander turned her to face him again. He lowered his head but his eyes remained locked on hers, like deep green beacons, leading her toward shore. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to control her rapid breathing. Cupping her cheek, he brushed the pad of his thumb across her lower lip. That simple touch made her want so much more.

He slid his fingers into her hair and tenderly angled her face up. “So beautiful,” he murmured as if unaware he spoke.

It was all Tessa could do not to close her eyes and lean into his hand. She inhaled deeply, drawing him in. His husky voice caressed her senses and her stomach tightened in anticipation.

She should walk away from him. Away from the danger he posed. Her body refused to obey. Instead, it waited motionless for Zander to make his next move. Silently begging him to touch her.

Still holding her gaze, he leaned forward, giving her every opportunity to back away but she couldn't. He hovered a fraction of an inch from her lips and his warm breath feathered across her skin. Expectation built, a palpable force in her middle.

He took her mouth, softly searching. Teasing. Tasting. Gentle but insistent. She responded, pressing into his kiss, wanting to push herself against his body.

He raised his other hand and skimmed the side of her neck. The kiss grew more insistent, deeper and she opened beneath his touch.