Page 16 of Rekindled Heat

"Yes, but thankfully, I've stopped being so self-conscious about them."

"Your skin is like porcelain." He murmurs as he rubs the sunscreen on my back.

"What?"

"Nothing. Do you mind if I eat my salad here with you?"

"Sure, I'll be glad for the company."

When he finishes, he hands me the bottle and just stands there, looking my way. I take my sunglasses off to search his gorgeous face. The electricity between us is unbearable, but I need to let him make the first move. I lick my lips again, imagining, no, needing his lips on mine. That seems to have done it, and he leans forward and places his lips softly upon mine. My heart starts beating faster, and my mouth is hungry for his.

His kiss is gentle and firm, but when he licks the seam of my lips to get me to open up to him, all hell breaks loose. His tongue invades my mouth with more skill than he had when he was a young man. No, this man's kiss is scorching hot, and it's creating a blaze that I might not be able to put out once he stops kissing me.

What am I saying? I don't want him to stop. Ever. The problem, as usual, is I start getting greedy, and I can't help but moan in pleasure. That's followed by me putting my arm around his neck to pull him toward me and that seems to wake him up from the enchantment. He pulls away and takes a step back as if stunned by his own actions.

"I…I shouldn't have done that."

Then he turns around and leaves me alone in his backyard.

Chapter 6

Erik

What is wrong with me? How could I do that? That's the thing, though. I couldn't not do that. Once I touched her, I had to have more, and with her licking her lips like they were needy for my own, I just couldn't stop myself. This morning, I managed to talk myself out of the inevitable course I've been taking with Brandy. All week long, we flirted and laughed and enjoyed ourselves. It wasn't like old times. It was so much better.

Brandy has become an amazing woman who sparks my interest and admiration. She's stuck to her dream, even though it's been really challenging over the years. She's brave and courageous and everything I've ever wanted in a woman, all wrapped into one gorgeous package. That's what brought terror into my thoughts.

I remember how it was when we were kids. We were so involved with one another that sometimes we forgot about the world around us. I can't afford to do that now. I've got a business to run. My partners and I have big dreams for the future. I will not let a woman get in between me and my dreams.

Perhaps that's why I've never been in a serious relationship since I broke up with her. My drive to succeed supersedes everything.

I send a message to Max so we can meet and he tells me to come over. What are the odds that Anne won't be there? I know she'll side with Brandy. Truth is, I don't even know what Brandy wants, but I'm too chickenshit to start that conversation.

I leave the house without telling Brandy where I'm going, and I walk the few blocks that separate my house from Max's. When I ring the doorbell, I hear footsteps, and Anne opens the door. She has a smile on her face, but when she sees my expression, she frowns.

"What did you do?"

"I came here to talk to my friend if you don't mind."

She winces. "I do mind. You're my friend, too."

I shake my head. "I don't think you'll be on my side if I tell you what's going on."

"What a baby. Come in." She grabs my arm and pulls me inside.

We go back to their swimming pool. That's one thing I regret not getting for my house. I was worried about the maintenance or even the danger if I had kids someday. In the end, I let my fear rule me and didn't have one built. Max is swimming laps and overall enjoying the cool water. When he sees me, he snaps his head, shaking water out of his hair, and comes up to the side of the pool.

"You got here fast."

"It's sort of an emergency."

"When is girl trouble an emergency?"

"How do you…"

"Go get yourself a drink, and pour me one as well."

I go to the bar and do as he says. I toss back the first drink like it's water, then pour myself another. Don't get drunk, asshole. That's the last thing I need right now. Max gets out of the pool and dries himself with a large towel. He's still dripping when I hand him his drink. He waves a hand at the chaise lounges, and he and his fiancé sit next to each other and look at me expectantly.

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