Page 54 of Summer Heat
Shep jumped up. "I almost forgot about dessert."
I raised a brow as he poured another glass of wine for me, and then said, "I'll be right back."
I was curious about what the dessert could be. I was in the mood for chocolate cake, but I could eat anything. He was so sweet to plan this evening for us.
I should be content that he was so good to Maya and me and provided us with a place to live. He wasn't my forever guy, but he'd shown me that there were good guys out there.
Shep returned with a plate piled high with a white cake and strawberries. "It's a strawberry shortcake. I hope you like strawberries."
"I love them." But why was there only one plate? "Is this all for me?"
He sat carefully, still holding the plate, then handed me one spoon. "I thought we could share."
Did he share his dessert with just any woman? My mind was racing as I took the first bite. "This is amazing. Where did you get it?"
"There's a new bakery in town. I'm surprised you haven't heard of it."
"I don't get out much, especially now that I'm living with you." I didn't have a reason to leave his house except for school and work.
"I drive past it every day to my current jobsite. I can't remember the name."
"I'm sure I'll hear about it sooner or later. It's great that we finally have a bakery. We tend to only get ice-cream shops."
"The tourists love ice cream." He lifted his spoon with strawberry and whipped cream on it and lifted it to my mouth. I opened for him, savoring the sweetness. I wondered what Shep would taste like. Strawberries and cream? I wanted to push him down on the pillows, straddle him, and find out.
He lowered his spoon, his gaze fixated on my lips. "You have something here."
Before I could lift my hand, he used his thumb to brush off the whipped cream. To my surprise, he lifted his finger to his mouth and sucked it.
A shot of desire flew through my body. I wanted him to suck on my nipple. Would he pour whipped cream over my body and lick it off?
"Got it."
I let out a shaky breath. "I don't think you'll have any issues finding a woman who wants to date you."
His forehead creased. "What if I don't want to date just anyone?"
He'd already said he was interested in someone, but he'd never said who. "Do you want to tell me who it is so I can give you advice."
His shoulders lowered, and he smiled. "That would be helpful."
I tipped my head to the side. It must be someone I was friends with. I couldn't believe what I was getting myself into.
He set the plate aside and scooted closer, his hand moving to my jaw. It was an intimate move, one you did for someone you wanted to kiss.
My brain couldn't compute fast enough to keep up with this situation.
He dipped his head, his breath ghosting over my lips while my heart raced out of control. He was too close, and I wanted him to kiss me. He made me want more. The entire evening primed me for this, from the dancing to dinner and the gorgeous setting. I was helpless to resist.
His lips touched mine so softly, I thought I'd imagined it. He lifted his head, his brow raised as if he was asking for my permission.
"What are you doing?" I sounded out of breath.
He tipped his head as if it should be obvious, his thumb stroked my cheek. "I'm kissing you."
"But why? I thought you were going to tell me who you were interested in." Why did it sound like I'd just run a marathon?
His lips quirked, his eyes filled with awe. "You're the one I want."
