Page 378 of Steamy Ever After

“I appreciate that.”

That’s what a smart person would do, but I don’t disagree with Drake. I can say many of the same things about him. I know his character. I know his strength. I know he’s a protector, a hero—if my suspicions about the scar are true. What else do I need to know?

“How about we slow down enough to watch the movie and see how the rest of the night goes.”

“Sounds wonderful, and first thing tomorrow, after you know—we’re going to town to get you a proper emergency kit for your car.”

I don’t believe him about the other night not being a blizzard. It sure seemed like a lot of snow. “That sounds like a plan.” I don’t even blink about the you know comment.

We’re definitely going to have sex before we leave this place.

“You need to be ready for anything,” he says.

With my mind on sex, I can’t help the huge grin on my face. Drake reads me like an open book.

“I love where your mind went right there, but I’m talking about your safety. Now, as for your road kit… Flares would be a good thing. You’ll need a blanket, jacket, gloves, gators, and boots. A flashlight too. People need to be able to see you if that ever happens again.”

“Well, I wasn’t expecting snow in May. I’m just glad I had my suitcases.”

“Those layers saved your life.”

I empty my wine and lean back with a sigh. “You tell me what to put in this emergency kit, and I’ll get it done. I never want to go through that again.”

“You never will, city girl. I can guarantee it.”

Firelight flickers over his face as I try and parse what he said and what it might mean. There are layers to this man I don’t fully grasp, but there’s one thing I know for certain.

He’s a protector of not only those he cares about, but those he just met. That says more about his character than anything else.

The sun is finally set. Dusk gives way to the darkness of night. The alcohol from the wine relaxes me, and I shed any lingering tension I may have.

He lifts a remote. “Now, what will it be? Star Wars marathon or Star Trek?”

“Surprise me.” I lean back, content and happy for the first time in years.

The opening lines, “In a galaxy far far away,” scroll across the screen as Drake lightly strokes the back of my hand.

“I’m glad we met, city girl.”

“I’m glad we met too.”

HEAT

Drake and I watch Luke, Leia, and Han take down the battle star while I sip wine and he drinks whiskey.

While he loads up the next movie, I pour myself another glass of wine. The bottle’s half empty, and I’m at the point where I’m feeling relaxed and comfortable rather than first date jitters.

It’s easy with Drake. We fit well together, and it feels as if I’ve known him far longer than a few days.

Despite the blizzard—and I don’t care what Drake says, that was a blizzard—it’s pleasantly warm. Not only that, but that cold snap took out the resident mosquito population, allowing me to enjoy the early summer night without being eaten alive.

Drake loads up the next movie, and as Luke meanders around the icy planet of Hoth, Drake reaches for my hand.

Our fingers intertwine as he plays with my hand. He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb, then our pinky fingers interlock, and we simply enjoy the moment and watch the rebels fight against an empire.

My relaxed state deepens. More wine and more whiskey turn our friendly pinky holding into more sensuous glides of fingers and hands. When I glance over at him, Drake’s gaze smolders with a banked heat.

Which reminds me how wonderful his mouth feels on my skin when he kisses me.

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