Page 67 of Sweet Somethings

"Where do I start?"

"Anywhere you want."

"I like your hair, the way it curls up from the steamy ovens. I like the way your cheeks flush when you cook or when you talk or when you think I'm going to kiss you."

She put her hands on her cheeks. "Are they pink now?"

"A beautiful shade of rose—like your lips…your soft, sexy, tempting lips."

"Oh, my," she said, breathing in. "When I first met you, I thought you were a man of few words, but I'm liking the words you choose a lot better now."

"So, is it time for my reward?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, smiling back at him. "You've earned it in so many ways." Her hands slid around his neck as she pressed on tiptoe to kiss him.

The kiss started out soft, tender, but within seconds it became explosive and hot. He was fast becoming addicted to her taste, to the feel of her body in his arms, to the scents of sugar and cinnamon and vanilla that seemed to cling to her skin. She was sweet and sexy—a deadly combination. Not to mention smart and fun and eager to explore whatever she was curious about.

He tried to put a brake on his thoughts, but every kiss between them just made him like her more. He knew he should stop. She had to get up early. And this fire could so easily burn out of control. He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want to leave her. But he was afraid both would happen—and probably too soon for either of them.

His body told his brain to shut up, enjoy the moment and not think about tomorrow.

It seemed like good advice, especially when her breasts pressed against his chest.

And then the oven timer went off.

The sound took a moment to register.

Juliette woke up first, pulling out of his embrace. "The cake," she muttered, her voice somewhat bemused. She ran into the corner of the counter as she hurried toward the oven, yelped with a hint of pain, then moved around the counter to open the oven.

She pulled out her cake and set it on the counter. Then she rubbed her hip bone.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yes." She let out a breath. "It's fine."

"Good thing you set the timer. We might have forgotten about that cake."

"That's a good bet." She tucked her hair behind her ear with a somewhat self-conscious smile. "I tend to forget a lot when we start kissing."

He nodded in agreement, wishing she wasn't on the other side of the big island, but she seemed to like the distance between them now, and maybe it was a good thing. Otherwise, he would probably never leave.

"I did appreciate your help, Roman," she added. "It was nice of you to offer."

"I don't know if I exactly offered, but you're welcome. I should go. And you should, too."

She nodded. "I'll just clean up a few things and then head upstairs."

"Can I help?"

"No, you've done enough."

He frowned. "I don't like to leave you here alone."

"I'm here alone all the time. It's very safe."

"You have to go out to the street to go upstairs."

"Which is also very safe, and it's about a six-foot distance between doors. You don't need to worry about me."

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