Kane reached out with his other hand and cupped her chin, tilting her face up to look at him. "Hell, Em. Haven't you got a hug for an old friend?"
She should have said no. She wanted to say no, but the word wouldn't come. Pulling her hand from beneath his, she straightened her back with anticipation. Her breathing quickened. She went without thought, as though her body knew what she wanted better than logic. For one brief moment, they looked into each other's eyes, and she thought her heart would stop.
Taking her by the shoulders, he pulled her against him, clasping her against his hard body in an enthusiastic bear hug. She guessed he'd meant it to be platonic, but it sent waves of longing coursing through her. She placed her arms around his back and squeezed him to her.
"It's good to see you again, Em."
She swallowed and tried to speak, but no sound came out. Her wobbly lips mouthed the words, "Me too."
In his arms, the world ceased to exist. All she knew was Kane. The feel of him, the scent of him.
It didn't matter why he'd come. What mattered was that he was here, now, and she'd been given the chance to be with him again, if only for a short time. Maybe, seeing him again would help clean out the memories she'd been harboring deep in her subconscious, and she could move on with her life. Maybe now she could let him go.
What would happen if she told him about Sara? Would he stay? Would he care? He might not thank her. He might even think she was trying to blackmail him--and she didn't want him to think ill of her.
He might turn right around and walk out again. Emma didn't want him to do that either.
Held tight in his embrace, her heart racing, her breath caught in her throat, Emma knew nothing had changed.
Despite all the anguish he'd caused her, Kane Hunter was still her hero.
)
