Page 5 of When it Sizzles

Even though I’ve never made the first move before in my entire life.

But there’s a first time for everything, a fact I prove as I grip the lapels of his suit jacket, push up on tiptoe, and press my lips to his. At first, he’s stiff, surprised, but a second later, his arm is around my waist, his hand is in my hair, and he’s kissing me like I’m the star of the show.

I’ve never been the star.

I’m barely a supporting cast member. My family has done their best to banish me to the backstage area, determined to protect the baby of the family from all the big, scary things in life.

But suddenly, I don’t want to be protected, I want to be…naked.

Naked and tangled up with this gorgeous man who smells like exotic leather and spice and touches me like he’s had my body memorized for years. I’ve never felt so instantly comforted and electrified by anything in my entire life. He feels so safe, so familiar, and simultaneously like the wildest ride at the county fair, the one I had to wait to go on until my overprotective brothers left for the night.

By the time we come up for air, I’m on fire, sizzling all over in a way I’ve only read about in books up to this point.

“I think the chemistry is covered,” he murmurs, looking as hungry as I feel.

“So covered,” I agree, still breathless. “Meet you in the parking area in five minutes? I have to go tell my sister I’m leaving early.”

He nods. “See you there. I’m the vintage Mustang. Pale yellow. You can’t miss it.”

I won’t miss it, I promise myself as I hurry back toward the wedding.

I’m not going to chicken out. I’m going to seize the day—and the D—and by this time tomorrow, I’ll have put a very big rite of passage in my rearview mirror.

After all, how hard can a one-night stand be?

People far less accomplished than I am do that sort of thing all the time.

Of course, I have no idea just how complicated things are about to get. Or that even nice guys can turn your world upside down without even trying.

Chapter One

Wendy Ann McGuire

A woman about to step out of her

comfort zone with a sexy one-night stand

she didn’t realize she was looking for until

a gorgeous man kissed her senseless…

I’m going to do this.

I’m really going to do it.

I’m about to lose my virginity via one-night stand to a handsome pediatrician, who is an incredible kisser, seems as attracted to me as I am to him, and has called me beautiful twice.

Best of all? He’s leaving town in three days, ensuring I won’t have to deal with any post-coital embarrassment if I prove to be as bad at sex as I’m anticipating I will be.

In general, my self-esteem is healthy, but I’m not a sporty girl. Anything involving cardiovascular activity, strength, or balance is out of my wheelhouse, and sex seems like a pretty physically demanding activity. I will probably need months, if not years, of practice in order to achieve anything resembling sexual fitness.

Heck, it took three months of yoga classes just to touch my toes, and my downward facing dog still looks like an arthritic goat.

But that’s okay. Someday, when I meet the right guy—perhaps a nerdy, STEM enthusiast who loves gathering data and testing a hypothesis as much I do—he won’t mind that my carnal side is a work in progress.

Or, more likely, I’ll have this one, rite-of-passage night before reverting to a sexless existence for the rest of my life.

Honestly, it’s not an upsetting thought.

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