– it was still as hot as blazes out here.
She ran the cool glass across her forehead, enjoying the feel of the condensation before it evaporated. Closing her eyes for a moment she took a deep breath, remembering. It still wasn’t anywhere near as hot as it had been in Gray’s kitchen this afternoon.
What on earth had gotten into her? She didn’t usually stand around letting strange men take possession of her mouth. Especially if there was any risk of the kids seeing them.
But man oh man, he kissed good. Almost as good as he felt.
Apparently her standards had changed, she grudgingly admitted to herself. Not only had she let him kiss her – and thoroughly – but she’d done it in full view of the back yard and the kitchen window. The kids had plenty of opportunity to witness her behavior. She knew how lucky they’d been that Chloe had gone home, rather than double back for another sip of soda.
A flush warmed her cheeks. She’d have dealt with it, but was so grateful she didn’t have to explain herself to the kids. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and her skin was warming from remembering them together. Who’d have guessed her grouchy neighbor would pack such a wallop? Made her wonder what he’d be like in bed.
Given how he’d taken possession of her lips she had no doubt he’d take charge between the sheets. Given the skill he’d demonstrated, she was sure she’d enjoy every second they spent there.
She sighed – a heavy breath pushed out from deep in her lungs. There was no point in even wondering, since there was no time for hot sex for a woman who had four children. No time at all. She would be lucky if she could get up the energy for a romp.
She considered that thought for a moment then shook her head. Nope, honesty demanded she admit that she would find the energy if the opportunity came up. But since that wasn’t going to happen, she wouldn’t waste precious moments of relaxation revving up her temperature and her pulse. All for nothing.
Even if her palms had tingled with the heat through his soft tee shirt. His scent reminded her of sunshine and freshly cut wood. He tasted like the tang of a cold beer. Her body had responded to the man – the full package.
There was nothing going to happen between Gray Mills and her. He was too grumpy. Too unpredictable – nice one minute and sarcastic the next. Too difficult for her to risk getting involved with. Her kids had suffered enough. Another loss would be devastating for them. And for her.
She relaxed back against the cushions and closed her eyes, allowing the peace of the evening to wash over her. This was her favorite time of day – quiet, cool and relaxing. The kids were in bed, the house was as tidy as it was going to get and she got to chill – in one of the spots that had been a major factor in her decision to buy this larger home. She loved this cedar deck.
She opened lazy eyes and looked around. The yard was a huge pie shape that seemed to go on forever. A couple of mature trees provided a home to a variety of birds. A lily pond and a bird bath, as well as multiple feeders were scattered throughout the trees. She didn’t have the foggiest idea how she was going to replenish them, but she’d find a way. Single women had to be resourceful. That went triple for single women with a house full of kids.
A squeak from next door caught her attention. Gray stepped out from behind the screen door, allowing it to close slowly behind him. She watched him stretch, pushing his hands skyward, lifting his lightly furred chest and sucking in his belly, which allowed his shorts to sag slightly. Her tummy tightened in response.
She was in trouble. Deep trouble. The man’s body was perfect. Worse, she hadn’t noticed one in years, not since she’d been married. Six years was a long time to be alone.
She watched as he picked up a hammer from the ground beside him, then walked across the yard, sandals silent on the patio blocks. His stride
She ran the cool glass across her forehead, enjoying the feel of the condensation before it evaporated. Closing her eyes for a moment she took a deep breath, remembering. It still wasn’t anywhere near as hot as it had been in Gray’s kitchen this afternoon.
What on earth had gotten into her? She didn’t usually stand around letting strange men take possession of her mouth. Especially if there was any risk of the kids seeing them.
But man oh man, he kissed good. Almost as good as he felt.
Apparently her standards had changed, she grudgingly admitted to herself. Not only had she let him kiss her – and thoroughly – but she’d done it in full view of the back yard and the kitchen window. The kids had plenty of opportunity to witness her behavior. She knew how lucky they’d been that Chloe had gone home, rather than double back for another sip of soda.
A flush warmed her cheeks. She’d have dealt with it, but was so grateful she didn’t have to explain herself to the kids. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and her skin was warming from remembering them together. Who’d have guessed her grouchy neighbor would pack such a wallop? Made her wonder what he’d be like in bed.
Given how he’d taken possession of her lips she had no doubt he’d take charge between the sheets. Given the skill he’d demonstrated, she was sure she’d enjoy every second they spent there.
She sighed – a heavy breath pushed out from deep in her lungs. There was no point in even wondering, since there was no time for hot sex for a woman who had four children. No time at all. She would be lucky if she could get up the energy for a romp.
She considered that thought for a moment then shook her head. Nope, honesty demanded she admit that she would find the energy if the opportunity came up. But since that wasn’t going to happen, she wouldn’t waste precious moments of relaxation revving up her temperature and her pulse. All for nothing.
Even if her palms had tingled with the heat through his soft tee shirt. His scent reminded her of sunshine and freshly cut wood. He tasted like the tang of a cold beer. Her body had responded to the man – the full package.
There was nothing going to happen between Gray Mills and her. He was too grumpy. Too unpredictable – nice one minute and sarcastic the next. Too difficult for her to risk getting involved with. Her kids had suffered enough. Another loss would be devastating for them. And for her.
She relaxed back against the cushions and closed her eyes, allowing the peace of the evening to wash over her. This was her favorite time of day – quiet, cool and relaxing. The kids were in bed, the house was as tidy as it was going to get and she got to chill – in one of the spots that had been a major factor in her decision to buy this larger home. She loved this cedar deck.
She opened lazy eyes and looked around. The yard was a huge pie shape that seemed to go on forever. A couple of mature trees provided a home to a variety of birds. A lily pond and a bird bath, as well as multiple feeders were scattered throughout the trees. She didn’t have the foggiest idea how she was going to replenish them, but she’d find a way. Single women had to be resourceful. That went triple for single women with a house full of kids.
A squeak from next door caught her attention. Gray stepped out from behind the screen door, allowing it to close slowly behind him. She watched him stretch, pushing his hands skyward, lifting his lightly furred chest and sucking in his belly, which allowed his shorts to sag slightly. Her tummy tightened in response.
She was in trouble. Deep trouble. The man’s body was perfect. Worse, she hadn’t noticed one in years, not since she’d been married. Six years was a long time to be alone.
She watched as he picked up a hammer from the ground beside him, then walked across the yard, sandals silent on the patio blocks. His stride
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