Page 40 of Wolves & Watercolors
My lungs seize up, and it’s a struggle to keep air moving. I’m light-headed.I think I’d really like that.This gorgeous woman looks up at me with spellbinding golden-brown eyes and licks her lips. Damn it.
I shouldn’t touch her. She’s not an option as a mate. She’s human and she has a whole life in Los Angeles. This can’t end well.
My other hand goes to her waist too. The feel of her soft curves crumbles my resolve. I’m going to regret this.
She tips her chin up, her lips parting slightly. I shouldn’t find her this alluring. It’s not just how beautiful she is, it’s the spark of life she carries with her. She’s vibrant, unpredictable, and passionate.
Her delicate fingers brush across my chest. Sparks radiate out from the spot of contact. I’m pulled down like she’s a magnet. The part of my brain warning me to stay away from her is fading, overwhelmed by a desire to please her. To taste her.
“It’s okay,” she whispers. I’m not sure what she means. It’s okay if I don’t kiss her? It’s okay if I do? Would I be okay if I didn’t? No. My decision solidifies and it unlocks something inside of me.
One hand grips her waist firmly, and the other moves to her jaw, hooking a finger under her chin to tip her face upward. Her eyes widen and her pupils devour her honey irises.
“Aurora?”
“Yes?” Her voice scrapes over me.
“You really want me to kiss you, don’t you?” I ask, daring to tease her.
She nods, her chin bumping against my hand.
“How long have you been thinking about it?”
“A while,” she says, swallowing and taking a ragged breath.
“And cheese making is what does it for you?” My tone is so serious, it takes a moment for her to catch my joke. Those beautiful eyes narrow and she pulls back, her mouth curving into a scowl.
“You know, you don’t have to make fun of-”
I don’t let her finish the thought. My arm scoops under her ass, lifting her and twirling us in one sweeping movement, away from the hot stove until I can set her down on the center work table.
Her mouth opens in a surprised gasp. She’s level with me and her knees part to allow me nearer. I grab her hips and drag her closer to the edge, and her hands scramble to grab my shoulders. Her knees squeeze against my hips.
Breathing fast, she blinks at me with her lips slightly parted, waiting for my next move. My fingers tangle in her hair as I finally kiss her.
All rational thought leaves my brain. Her nose bumps my cheek and I tilt my head to better reach her. Her lips are soft and she brushes them against mine and then presses firmly. Fireworks go off behind my eyes. I press against the nape of her neck and kiss her harder. Her lips part and her tongue tentatively dips into my mouth. She’s sweet, gentle, and I want to devour her.
Her fingers thread into my hair and a low guttural sound rolls out of my throat. She must like it, because her hold on me tightens. The feel of her against me, her mouth on mine, is bright sunshine and rich pleasure.
Time loses all meaning, and it’s just her thighs against my hips, my fingers squeezing the curve of her waist, her lipsmoving with mine, my tongue against hers. With a little hiccup, she breaks off and leans back, letting out a giddy little laugh.
My chin falls to my chest, and I stare at the ground, awkwardly adjusting myself. If I look up, now she’ll see my eyes glowing dusty blue. But then her head tips back, revealing an expanse of throat.
With a shuddering breath, I turn back to the stove and check that the temperature is holding steady.
My reflection in the polished backsplash reveals that my eyes have returned to normal, so I turn to face her.
“You okay?” A goofy smile curves her beautiful mouth, but her brows pinch as concern wars with her happiness. I don’t want her worried, but all of this is a lot. Kissing her was an all-consuming experience, far more than I anticipated.
“I’m fine. That was…” I pause, studying her reaction. “Overwhelming. In a good way.”
“We’ve still got more than an hour, I think.” She grips the edge of the countertop and leans forward, revealing more of her cleavage.
“Is that a request?” I ask.
She nods. I should redirect her. It’s madness to continue. But apparently, I’ve lost all common sense.
All the times I warned my brother he was being foolish by growing close to Ember echo back to me. Now I understand how little choice he had. She’s a supernova sucking me in. Despite knowing the potential and likely consequences, I’m happy to go along.
