Page 38 of Painting Her Fate

The second I take his hand our touch sends tingles all the way up my arm.I brush it off as best I can, not allowing my mind to wander this time around.

But that damn dimple of his is back…

Once we round the corner to the romance section, nowhere near the two patrons shopping, Zander leans in close and breathes in my ear, his body heat enveloping my senses as temptation flares to life.

“You enjoy romance?” His sultry whisper sends tingles of awareness through me. I swallow hard and try suppressing my shiver as he eyes me expectantly, “whatsub-genres do you prefer…mistress? The corner of his lip twitches. No denying it now; he heard Tamara call outthatname.

To all that is holy… I’m parched, and water doesn’t come close to quenching this thirst.The mistress is wanting this man, can sense his enticing dominance. She’s ready to pounce but is also willing to be on her knees and beg.

Shall we play hard to get? Or do we submit right here? I’m fine going either way.

I turn my body to his so we’re chest to chest. I gaze up at him, my heart races, but my dominance doesn’t let it show as I press in closer. His back hits the bookcase and his eyes flash with heat.

Let him have you- you know you want to,the mistress coos.

His thumb moves back and forth over the top of my hand and his other arm comes around my middle, encapsulating me.

“I enjoy many.” I state unabashedly, “however,” I gesture him closer to embark on this particularly important secret. There is a mirror of mischief dancing in his eyes. “A lass never kisses her hero and tells.”

I wouldn’t mind if he kissed me. I’ll take Zander as my hero if you don’t mind.

I’d welcome a tryst with this man, as long as there is no commitment involved. His eyes blaze with desire and it’s like he can read my mind.

“Tell me then, what does it take for one to become a hero?” His cheek sets millimeters away and I have it in mind to run a hand over his stubble, feel the coarse hair through my fingers. His words hint at wanting to know more about myself, something I’m forever hesitant to do with anyone.

“Oh, but you are a hero.”My hero.I lean back, bring a hand to his jaw and give him my most sultry stare; my whispering answer full of hidden intent, “sounds like thisdamselshould thank herheroproperly.” Our mouths now centimeters apart, our breaths mingle, chests rising and falling to a similar beat- who will show their hand first?

Let him come to you,my mistress demands.

“Sorry to interrupt, but your food is ready.” Kat announces, “did you two find any books to your liking?”

Zander and I turn our heads simultaneously to the end of the isle. Kat stands there, hands on her hips, a ‘cat ate the canary’ grin on her face. I drop my head to Zander’s shoulder to hide my embarrassment and let out a light laugh, one he joins in.Just how much of that did she witness?Desire now quashed as flames for other reasons heat my cheeks, I pull away from him, take a breath, then with face still flaming, we face our audience of one. I should’ve known Kat was on to us; her love of reading mystery romance often times shows itself, like now. That eye she gave me when Zander and I came in the store holding hands, it’s yet another thing Tamara will find out about. Someway, somehow, this will get back to her.

“Should I look for a ‘damsel in distress’ title, instead of your usual?” Kat teases.

“Oh, ha-ha.” I say taking the piss (mock), Zander squeezes my hand reassuringly then he let out a breath.

“So, about this food- I’m starving.” He chimes in, ready to move on from the awkward moment.

I’m hungry too, but all I can think about is how hard his body was against mine. How his crisp oceanic scent enveloped me, wrapping me in and drawing my nerves tight. Never has a man given me these sensations before, especially one I only just met. I don’t know if I should succumb to them, or flee, run as far away as possible, so I do not endure the hurt I know will eventually come.

Finished eating, I make out a stack of ten or so books piled high on the checkout counter, Kat making her way back from her exploration down the romance section, adding one more title to the mix. I love supporting local businesses like this, where the people know my taste of books and can easily pick out things for me. That stack of books on the counter areallmine. I just wish I had more time to actually sit down and read them. Audiobooks have taken over as of late due to my busy schedule, but I love purchasing a piece of an authors’ imagination, whether written or narrated.

“Oh my gosh, have you listened to LB’s newest release yet? Her pick of narrators are swoon worthy.” Kat fans herself with one of the books before placing it in the bag. I smile and give her my card. “Ooh, girl! I get excited just thinking about that demanding voice of his.” We laugh together as she completes my transaction.

“I devoured it on the plane ride. It was so good. His voice has come a

long way since his first books.”

“That’s what she said!” Kat is quick to agree, and we all crack up.

Zander nudges me with his shoulder, mentioning we will have to do this again soon then he grabs the bag of books from the counter.

Howgentlemanly.

“Have a great rest of your day, guys.” She starts, then remembered something, “hey, Zander. Will we see you for Friday night poetry one of these times? It be cool to hear some of your work, old or new.” He shrugs and looks away, a blush entering his countenance.

“I don’t think-”

---