Page 5 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

I don’t wait.

Too drunk to care that he’s a stranger, I slam my mouth on his, aggressive, wanting to taste him, to understand why this man’s scent is making me crazed with desire. I want to wipe that arrogant smirk off his face, to put him in his place.

Clara Winter is not a woman to be underestimated.

But this man isn’t like the men I’m accustomed to. He loops one arm around my waist and the other slides up my back in a feather like touch that makes me arch into him. He pulls out the pin that is holding up my hair and then grips a large fistful in a masterful manner, keeping me in place.

And the tables turn for me.

No longer am I the one in control. He’s wrenched it from me as easily as breathing. And I can’t do anything but moan into his mouth, my skin on fire as heat and electricity race over it, my panties getting wet by how skillfully he’s using his mouth on mine. I’ve never been kissed like this, so much dominance in it, making me feel small and fragile in his arms. I want to fight back, to win back some control but even I know that’s not possible.

Finn licks into my mouth in a filthy way and I rub my legs together, shivering from desire. My nipples are hard and I want his mouth on them, suckling them, biting them. I want his cock inside of me, pounding me till this restless ache between my legs disappears.

The urge to drag him into the bar’s washroom is so strong that it hits me. I’m a little too drunk. I try to pull away but he’s kissing my neck, sucking on it, forcefully, making my lips part as my breathing turns ragged.

My heart is beating so fast that I’m scared it will burst. Does he mean to devour me, this beast in a man’s clothing?

Then just as suddenly, he’s releasing me.

I stumble back onto the stool, gazing at him with stunned eyes.

What-?

“Elliot,” I manage weakly, still staring at the handsome devil that’s watching me with too much animalistic lust in his eyes. “I think I’ll take that cab now.”

This is the first time I’ve ever found myself overwhelmed by the mere presence of a man. I attribute this to the alcohol in my system but I also, instinctively, know that I will never be kissed like this again.

Finn McCarthy has trouble written all over him if his devilish smile is anything to go by. It’s the kind of trouble where a woman could get her heart broken. I’ve never been the kind of woman to fall in love so easily. I’m practical, grounded, a staunch member of this community. But under that arrogant commanding gaze that’s making my knees tremble, the way he just kissed me senseless, I’m suddenly plagued with the fear that this man might end up being my undoing.

Fortunately, since he must be a tourist, he’ll be gone in a few days or so. I just have to make sure he doesn’t put his hands or mouth anywhere near me in the meantime.

I need to stay far away from Finn McCarthy.

Chapter 2

I am roused from my sleep by a wet tongue slobbering all over my face. I turn over to avoid it and immediately groan as a splitting headache makes its presence known.

A small body clambers over me and settles next to me, returning to licking my face all over.

“Vysky, stop,” I whimper, weakly.

The little husky puppy barks in delight right next to my ear and I’m pretty sure I’m going to die with the agony that cheerful sound ignites. I shove him away from me and sit up, feeling my ears ringing. A glance in the full length mirror across from me shows my bedraggled hair and red eyes. God, how much did I drink last night?

Vysky tries to climb onto my lap and I glare at him. “Why can’t you go and bother Aunt Helen or Aunt Vee in the morning? Why does it always have to be my room?”

He grins at me, perched comfortably in my lap, his tongue lolling out.

“You’re spoiled,” I inform him before setting him down. It’s five in the morning and I need to be at the diner in half an hour to start the prep. Vegetables need to be cut, meat needs to be marinated, the morning supplier needs to be met with. The very thought is exhausting and I want nothing more than to flop back on the bed but my cute little puppy will bark himself hoarse if I don’t take him out to relieve himself.

I wash up and then go downstairs, not worried about running into any of the guests from my aunts’ B and B. Still in my oversized T shirt and shorts, I put on a cup of coffee and let Vysky out to take care of his business. Leaning against the cool wall outside, I feel like crap. The icy wind makes me feel a tad bit better. I pop in the aspirin for the vicious pounding between my ears and curse myself for drinking like a heathen last night. Honestly, what possessed me?

I close my eyes and think about the man who’d kissed me last night.

Finn McCarthy.

My body tingles at the very thought of him. The way he had held me, subduing me without any effort, a shiver runs down my spine, my cheeks heating up. Nobody has ever treated me like that before. With Danny it’s always laughter and deep-rooted friendship. Underneath the intimacy, there’s always been a trust and comfort. With any other lover, it’s been hot and fast. But this kind burning intensity; I’ve never felt this. Although it was just a kiss, it felt like my entire body was on fire, as I was devoured with greed. In that moment, if he had asked me to spread my legs for him, I would have.

I’ve had one night stands but there have been very few. I could count all the lovers I’ve had on one hand. But none of them have made me feel so weak and feminine

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