Page 36 of Be Our Ghost
It didn’t help that she was woefully out of practice. After Randolph, she’d only been on a handful of dates, and none had progressed beyond a few kisses. She hadn’t shared her bed with anyone for three years.
Three years.
It was pathetic.
But sex with Randolph had often been stressful. Especially on those occasions where she felt like she wasn’t thin enough to suit him. When he’d make cracks about her stomach being “bloated” after a big dinner or her ass looking too big. Even during the act, she usually pretended to climax so that he’d feel like a masterful lover.
Was it any wonder she’d avoided sex for so long?
With Knox, she sensed things would be different. He’d already proven how compassionate and caring he was. Not that they needed to leap into bed right away, but she wasn’t going to let her fears hold her back.
When he parked his truck in the circular driveway, she unbuckled her seat belt, fully intending to lean toward him and initiate a good-night kiss. Before she could take action, he reached into the back seat and pulled out another of those brown paper grocery bags. “If it’s okay with you, I thought we could have dessert at your place. I brought supplies.”
She was grateful he was in no hurry to end the night. “What did you have in mind?”
“Last time I was here, I noticed you have a fire pit in your backyard. Is it still usable?”
“Sure. We’ve got chairs and everything.”
He handed her the grocery bag. “If you take this, I’ll grab the wood out of the back of my truck.”
“You chopped wood?” Her secret lumberjack fantasies came racing back. Knox, chopping wood in the forest. Preferably shirtless.
A burst of laughter rumbled from his chest. “No, I bought it at the grocery store. Where would I find a tree to chop down?”
“Oh…right.” She eased out of the truck with the paper bag and waited until he’d fetched a large canvas tote containing a bundle of firewood.
They walked toward her parents’ spacious backyard. Off the kitchen was a raised wooden deck; the rest of the grounds consisted of a classic English garden filled with flowers and a large stone fountain. At the far end, four Adirondack chairs and two matching side tables were arranged around a steel fire pit. The last time she’d used it had been in July, when she’d invited the Damsels over for a bonfire.
“I thought we could make s’mores,” Knox said. “It’s not too chilly out, and we’ve got a full moon. How does that sound?”
“It sounds heavenly.” She set the bag on the ground and took out the items, placing them on the side table. He’d thought of everything: marshmallows, graham crackers, four bars of Cadbury’s chocolate, two metal toasting sticks, and a bottle of brandy.
Brandy?“Since when do you use brandy to make s’mores?” she asked.
“I don’t, but I thought it would complement them nicely. A spiced porter or a stout would make for a better pairing, but I know you’re not much of a beer drinker.”
“Thanks.” Though she normally didn’t drink brandy either, the strong liqueur might give her the courage to make the first move. “Want some?”
“You bet. Normally, I’d serve it up in a snifter, but we’ll have to settle for plastic cups. I tossed a couple into the grocery bag.”
She poured a little brandy into the cups and passed him one. It was so strong it made her eyes water, though it went down easier after a few sips. Rich and velvety, it had a sweetness that wasn’t too overpowering. “It’s really good.”
“It’s from Bridgeland Distillery, out of Calgary. I usually prefer bourbon, but this stuff is addictive.” After taking a drink, he set the cup on the side table and arranged the firewood, then added kindling and pieces of crumpled-up newspaper.
Charlie watched, mesmerized, as he got the fire started. The crackling flames danced against the night sky, filling the air with woodsmoke. She moved in closer, seeking out the warmth of the fire. Now that the sun had gone down, the air was crisp enough to have a bite. The smoky smell brought back memories of a trip she’d taken while in university, camping with friends at Strathcona Park. She’d felt so free being out in nature, with nothing but the woods around her.
Knox gestured for her to sit down. “We’ll let it burn for a bit, then we can toast the s’mores.”
She did as he said but wasn’t satisfied. While the chairs were comfortable, they weren’t conducive to snuggling. “Knox?”
“What is it?”
“I really want to kiss you. I’ve been thinking about it all week, and I?—”
He stood and reached for her hand, then pulled her up so she was facing him. “You don’t have to ask twice.”
His hands skimmed her cheeks, just the lightest of touches. Smoothing his palms across her skin, as if mapping her features. Stroking the back of her neck, making little shivers dance along her spine. She whimpered as he drew his thumb across her bottom lip.
