Page 8 of Holding Holly

He cuts me off with a sudden kiss – so deep and soul-stirring that I’m glad he’s holding me, or my knees might buckle.

Our lips part as the force of the incredible kiss takes hold. His hand slides to my lower back, allowing me to feel the heat of his body through my dress.

He explores my mouth tenderly, his other hand lifting so his thumb can graze my cheekbone. Letting out a soft moan, I allow his lips to transport me to another dimension. I’m floating. Everything is soft. The moonlight glints off the trees around us, creating a dance of dim shadows.

There’s a slight noise, and I wonder if James is holding back a groan. His hand presses gently against my spine, then rubs small circles all the way up to my shoulder blades before his fingers tickle along my cheekbone and collarbone and then slip down to my waist, completely ignoring my breasts.

Somehow, that makes my heart surge even more. This isn’t an older guy trying to take advantage of a younger woman. Does James want to make sure that we’re really connecting first?

My hands clutch the back of his shoulder blades, then I sneak one hand up to toy with his collar, caressing the side and back of his neck. I can barely breathe, the pure, raw lust of the kiss washing over me like a tsunami of fire.

He pulls away, eyes sparkling. “You know, Holly…” His voice is thick with desire. “In case it’s not completely obvious, I amsmitten.”

Stifling a giggle, I stretch up to kiss the tip of his nose.

“Seriously,” he continues. “I am in deep smit. En-smit-i-fication is taking place.”

“I’m fairly certain that isn’t a word.”

James huffs, squeezing my hips sharply. “What, you’re the word police?”

“Hey, you’re the people police. I’ll be the word police.”

He rolls his eyes using his entire head, making me laugh louder. Then the wind picks up, blowing a dusting of snow from a nearby drift against our knees. “Just one more frosty, moonlit kiss, then I’ll get you home.”

This time he moves slowly, drawing our “one more kiss” out to several minutes. My entire body trembles as I press against his muscular frame while he holds me close, his coat half wrapped around to protect me from the wind.

A deep shiver runs through me as something shifts in his pants, and a thrill runs through me to think that I’m arousing him.

It’s just a matter of time before we’re alone together at the house I’m looking after. Is he going to want to…like, is it too soon? I don’t care. Everything about this incredible man makes me want him.

James finally pulls back. “Let’s get you home. That brand-new job has an early start time.”

“Good point. Thanks.”

On the way home, he drives past the bakery as requested and points out various landmarks between it and the Austin place so I won’t get lost in the morning. By the time we’re at my front door, my head is spinning.

James barely steps in the door as I turn on the lights. “Holly.” His low voice is a soft rasp. “You know I want to tuck you into bed. But you should get settled and asleep fast. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure.”

He turns to leave, and my hand darts out to grab his. “James?”

“Yeah?”

My cheeks burn. “This isn’t just the only date I’ve ever been on, it was the best date ever. Thank you.”

He smiles, but I think something flickers through his eyes.Oh crap.Did I just point out the noticeable difference in our ages?

“Best. Date. Ever. I agree.” He turns to envelop me in a bear hug, then kisses me gently. “My phone is always on. Call me for anything.”

“Thank you.”

As soon I’m inside and the door is locked, I collapse against it. Wildest dayever! And now I’m going to have to put all thoughts of it…and James…out of my mind so that I can set up the guest room and sleep.

Laughing, I head upstairs. Yeah, right. Like that’s going to happen.

I think those kisses have left their dreamy, distracting impression on my lips forever.

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