Page 15 of Hot Lovin'

“Always.” It’s his vow, and it burrows deeper into my bones, becoming part of my foundation.

“You know, more kisses wouldn’t hurt,” I murmur, surprising myself with my boldness. Maybe it’s the adrenaline still coursing through my veins or his proximity making my skin tingle. Either way, I want more of Quinn Jordan’s kisses and a whole lot more than that to go with them.

“Kisses, huh?” He arches an eyebrow, and the corner of his mouth quirks up. He’s so damn sexy without even trying.

“Strictly for morale purposes,” I clarify because I’m charming, funny, and definitely not standing here with flushed cheeks and a pounding heart.

“Of course, for morale.” He steps closer, and the space between us evaporates like morning mist under the sun.

Quinn’s arms come around me, wrapping me in his vast strength. When his lips meet mine, it lights a spark, igniting something within me that I didn’t know was cold. Clutching at his shirt, I pull him closer, needing more, so much more of him. I press my open lips to his, touching his tongue with mine. I taste the freshness of mint on his breath with a hint of bitter coffee, but most of all the rich essence of him.

A growl leaps from his throat as he tugs my bottom lip between his teeth, causing liquid heat to pool between my thighs. And then he’s kissing me with a savage hunger, his tongue stroking mine in rough, luscious strokes. His hands slide down my back to my ass, cupping and squeezing before pulling me firmly against his hips. I moan at the hard shape of his arousal, starving for his hands and mouth and body, his powerful weight over and between and inside me.

When Quinn finally pulls back, we’re both panting for air. Our gazes hold, and warmth spreads through me that has nothing to do with the heated kiss. It’s the warmth of safety, the glow of budding trust, and the sizzle of a bond forged in the fires of shared battles.

I have no idea what will happen next, but I hope it’s the right choice. I haven’t had a love life up to this point—my career was too important to me—but Quinn has thrown a wrench in that non-plan.

“Lottie—”

“Shh.” I press a finger to his lips like I did the day he kissed me in my office, something more profound than our usual banter pulling at me. “Don’t. We’ve had enough heavy for one day.”

He nods, the tension in his jaw easing as I slide my hand down to clasp his. We stand there, unmoving, breathing the same air, sharing the stillness of a house finally at peace.

“Stay.” The word slips out before I can think better of it. It’s not a question. It’s a plea. A need. A crack in my armor I didn’t even realize was there until this moment.

“Lottie…” Quinn’s voice is a low rumble, full of warning and promise all at once. He closes his eyes briefly as if battling with himself.

“Stay,” I repeat, slightly stronger this time, meeting his gaze without flinching. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

And then his lips are on mine again, gentle at first, then deepening as I respond with an eagerness that surprises even me.

When we finally break apart, there’s a new understanding between us, a silent agreement that tonight is about needing to feel connected, to share warmth in a world that can be too damn cold.

“Let me check on Aiden,” I whisper, pulling away, putting distance between us, though it’s the last thing I want to do. I need to think, although it seems all I’ve done is spend the last few weeks thinking about kissing Quinn and protecting Aiden.

Quinn nods once. “I’ll send Miller home,” he says, referring to the deputy parked outside.

I blush, knowing what Miller will make of Quinn staying, but I don’t care. I want my big, gruff sheriff more than anything, and I no longer care who knows it. We’re not breaking any rules, not doing anything wrong. How could what I feel for Quinn possibly be wrong?

I quietly make my way down the hall to the room now occupied by the small, precious boy I’ve come to love. Glancing back, I see Quinn slipping out the front door.

I crack open Aiden’s door and peer into the room, softly lit by a machine that casts the constellations on the ceiling as a nightlight. Aiden’s tucked up under his covers, Mr. Bear tucked under his chin, his small face peaceful and flushed with sleep.

That puts a smile on my face as I stand there, taking pleasure in simply watching him. The click of the front door closing again pulls me from my reverie, and I turn to see Quinn. His piercing eyes capture mine as he stalks toward me, stripping away any pretense of light-heartedness I might have left.

“Sleeping like an angel,” I whisper, my pulse racing as he comes to stand beside me. “You’d never know he’s been through so much.”

“Kids are resilient,” Quinn murmurs as he looks at the sleeping child, a shadow of something, pain, maybe, in his voice. I’m never quite sure with him.

I pull Aiden’s door closed and turn to face him. “No complications,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Just... us. Tonight.”

“Us. Tonight.” He echoes my words, his subtle scent of leather and pine weaving around me as he seals them with a kiss.

But I know I’m fooling myself as he scoops me into his arms. Because one night with this man will never be enough.

Chapter 7

Lottie

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