Page 31 of No Going Back

Here in Vermont, it was even better. As the dusk deepened into night, more and more stars became visible against the dark sky.

Branna’s sigh sounded happy. “This is amazing. I know each star is a sun with planets and moons circling it, but it seems like Mother Nature decided to put on a show just for us. It’s stunning.”

“Just like you.” He hadn’t planned them. The words just popped out.

She laughed. “Smooth talker.”

He chuckled. “That’s me.” Because it was usually the exact opposite of the truth. He’d been called blunt and reticent more times than he could count. Smooth wasn’t his forté.

For long minutes, they stood and enjoyed the view, the only noise being Jabba jumping in and out of the snow. Not a single car passed along the road that was out there. Not that they could see it in the dark because there weren’t any streetlights.

The only light on in the house behind them was back in the kitchen, so he didn’t have to worry about them being outlined for anyone watching. His senses were calm, and he was sure that, for tonight at least, they were completely alone in their tiny universe.

Sean hugged Branna and swayed her into a kind of dance as they watched. His body was on high alert this close to her, but he didn’t press into her or move his hands. More than anything, Branna probably needed to relax her mind, and the stars appeared to be doing exactly that for her.

After a while, Branna turned in his arms, and he readjusted the blanket to make sure she stayed warm. Her hands slid up his chest, and she smiled. They kept swaying to the silence of the night.

Unable to resist her sparkle, Sean lowered his head. Branna rose on her toes to meet him halfway.

* * *

Branna thought there wasn’t anything more spectacular than dancing with Sean in the starlight. When their lips touched, it was so gentle it made her heart melt. This tough warrior held her like precious glass.

While their lips touched and nipped and tasted, she let her hands roam his chest. She kept her touches as light as the kiss. Gentle and so loving, her body was almost in flames.

Jabba thumped up the stairs and shook the snow off beside them, showering them in flakes. Sean grinned into the kiss and then looked down at the dog. “You ready to head inside, buddy? Hope you wore yourself out because we have plans for the next few hours that don’t involve you.”

Hours? Her body shivered in delight at the desire evident in his voice.

They moved inside, and Jabba headed to the kitchen, where they’d left his food and water bowls. Sean slipped the blanket from his shoulders and wrapped it around her. Then he set the alarm by the door and grinned. “Trust me?”

“Always.”

Her answer had his eyes flaming, and the next thing she knew, he’d tossed her over his shoulder, one hand playing with her butt while he strode up the stairs. She was laughing and completely turned on when they arrived in their room. Sean kicked the door closed behind them.

But he still didn’t let her up. Although, with the view she had of his ass, she wasn’t complaining.

“Bed or shower?”

A shiver ran through her. “Bed first.”

His hands flinched on her. “I like the way you think. Actually, I like everything about you, Branna O’Dea. Every damn thing.”

She started to reply, but she suddenly flew through the air and bounced on the bed. Sean landed on top of her, and his mouth crashed onto hers.

There was nothing soft or gentle about this kiss. He was devouring her and it was delicious.

Her hands were trapped in the blanket, and she squirmed to get them loose.

“In a hurry, Sally?”

“Not the time to remind me you think of me as a tagalong.” But she was laughing when she said it.

Keeping his body on hers so she couldn’t get loose, Sean moved his lips to her ear. “My apologies, Ms. Branna O’Dea, queen of sexiness and determination, prettiest woman on the planet.”

His soft whisper had shivers covering her body. “Much better.” Her own voice was husky and more than a little shaky.

Sean trailed kisses along her jawline and down to the pulse that was beating wildly in her throat. “You amaze me, Branna. You’re strong and smart, and I can’t wait to taste every gorgeous inch of this perfect little body.”

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