Page 13 of Flames of Desire

“Well, he announced that he's tired of working with the named publishers and wanted to publish the book himself and that's why he could only print a few hundred copies of the book.” She pressed on.

“So, what does that have to do with anything?” I looked back at her with my eyebrow raised.

“I figured since Colton is now the chief editor at the publishing firm he works at, we could work together to publish his book and that way my bookstore could get some much-needed publicity.”

I squinted my eyes in thought. “Now that I think about it, that's actually not a bad idea.”

Way better than mine anyway, I thought to myself, as I blew out a puff of air.

“So, what's it about?” I asked, handing the book to her.

“I haven't exactly gotten around to reading it yet,” she answered sheepishly, reaching her hand out to grab the book.

“You haven't read it yet?” I held the book tighter so she couldn't take it. My eyes lit up with an idea, and I smiled.

“What are you grinning about? I was going to get to it eventually. I just didn't expect Mr. Ginsberg to call for me so quickly.” She rolled her eyes, and I laughed.

“I was just thinking I could read it to you instead,” I said, with an eager smile.

Lily's eyes immediately softened as she looked at me. “You'd do that?”

“Of course.” I pulled the book away and held it by my side. “I mean, it's not like there's really anything better to do.”

“Yeah, I guess not,” she muttered. “But before you do, how about some hot chocolate?” she suggested, her voice sounding strangely excited.

“Sounds perfect,” I agreed, my mind already racing with the thought of us huddled together by the fire as I read to her.

We moved back to the kitchen, and the space seemed to shrink around us, pulling us closer together. I found the cocoa and milk while Lily grabbed the mugs.

Standing close behind her as she stirred the hot chocolate, I couldn’t resist leaning in, my breath brushing against her neck. “Smells good,” I murmured, my voice purposefully low.

She turned her head slightly, our faces just inches apart. “Thanks. I think it’s ready.”

My gaze fell to her lips, and I felt the sudden urge to lean in closer and claim her soft, plump lips. Thankfully, the grandfather clock in the living room chimed loudly, stopping me in my tracks.

We took our mugs to the living room and settled by the fire. The warmth of the flames wrapped around us, making being trapped with her every bit worth it.

The atmosphere was cozy, almost too perfect. I had to remind myself to keep it cool and not to rush things. But damn, it was hard when she was so close.

“So, can I read to you now?” I asked, desperate for a chance to distract myself from her intoxicating presence.

Lily raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Sure. Let’s see if you’ve got the voice for it.”

With my mug of cocoa in hand, I moved to grab the book off the coffee table. My plan was to return to my chair, put a little distance between us, and keep things under control. But as I stood there, a part of me forced my legs to walk toward Lily. She lay sprawled on the couch, looking so relaxed and effortlessly beautiful. I sat on the floor right by her side.

“Mind if I sit here?” I asked, trying to keep it playful.

She looked down at me, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I don't mind.”

I settled in close, her intoxicating scent wafting into my nostrils. I fought the urge to lean closer, to breathe her in, and I had to remind myself to hold back. “So much for creating some distance,” I thought wryly.

Clearing my throat, I began to read the book. It was a fantasy novel, full of magical realms and epic quests, but even here, romance had found a way to creep in, adding a layer of depth to the adventure.

As I read on, the room seemed to shrink around us, pulling us into our own little bubble. The tension between us grew, a slow-burning heat that was impossible to ignore. I felt it in the way she shifted closer, in the way her breath hitched at certain passages. Reading to her felt like laying bare a part of myself, and I could sense that she felt it, too.

My eyes lit up as I read on, “His hands slid down her sides, tracing the curve of her waist with a desire that made her breath catch. Their eyes locked, and she could feel his heartbeat. With a slow, deliberate motion, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered her name. The sound sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire that spread through her.”

I stole a glance at Lily, noticing her interest. With a smile, I continued, “He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze was intense and filled with a desire that mirrored her own. ‘I’ve wanted you for so long,’ he murmured, his voice rough with need. She reached up, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and fierce, a collision of longing and passion that had been building for what felt like an eternity.”

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