Page 21 of Heron's Flame

“Manu Hale,” I replied, almost breathless from the heated look on his face—my God. The man was gorgeous, but the sinful, seductive way he stared into my eyes ignited a powerful spark between us. Always that same flame of desire whenever he was near. It never faded or burned out. “Kiss me.”

His head lowered as he captured my mouth, taking it for ransom as his tongue pushed through the seam of my lips and caught fire, tangling tongues and dancing in a forbidden twist that sent that heat south into my core.

I wasn’t sure if I moaned or imagined that I did. I’d burn to ashes if I could keep feeling this way.

Too soon, he lifted his head, licking his lips. “You taste like cherries.”

“My lip gloss.” I forgot that I applied it after dinner.

“It’s delicious, but I think you’ll taste better.”

Those naughty words sent my imagination soaring. I clenched my thighs together. An ache pulsed in my core, and I wanted him to relieve it.

“Soon,” he promised, taking my hand. “What’s your favorite flavor?”

Ice cream? Was that what he meant?

A dark chuckle followed. “I sure love how I can fluster you, but it’s even better when you’re dazed like that, lost in a daydream I know I conjured.”

“I love chocolate and peanut butter. Cherry cordials. But nothing with nuts.”

“Noted.”

Heron led me inside to the counter, where we placed our order. I got a Reese’s Cup combination with small chunks of candy and extra chocolate pieces. Heron opted for butter pecan. We licked at our chocolate-dipped cones as we returned outside, taking a seat on an empty bench. My gaze landed on the stars as I enjoyed my cone, leaning against Heron.

“This is perfect.”

“Good to know that food and my bike are enough to make you happy,” he joked.

“Not quite.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “It’s you. No matter how we started, this moment makes up for our rocky beginning.”

“Then I’ll always remember it.”

His voice had quieted, and although it lowered in volume, the tone didn’t lose his deep rasp or the hunger hidden inside him. I’d never met anyone like Heron or had a reaction like this, so intense and lust-filled, but also a magnetism that I couldn’t describe. Being with him felt like a pull I couldn’t escape even if I tried. For a year, I fought it, only to realize that what we felt was unique. You couldn’t fake chemistry like this.

“I know I won’t forget,” I promised.

Long after we finished our cones, we continued to sit, stargaze, huddle together, and soak up the memories we made today. It was everything for a girl like me, who had more skeletons in her closet than a Halloween party and costume store. Feeling his acceptance and affection after so much self-doubt and abuse helped heal me in ways I never anticipated.

“You ready to ride back?”

I glanced at my phone inside my purse, shocked to notice the time. Almost one in the morning. How did we stay out so late? It felt like a blur, only minutes.

“I guess we should.”

Back at The Roost, we parked after entering the lot, noting the quiet exterior of the clubhouse.

“That’s odd,” he murmured.

“Yeah,” I agreed, wondering what had happened since the club was celebrating Bella’s birthday.

Heron pushed open the door ahead of me and held it, allowing me to enter without getting smacked by the heavy wood. The low lighting in the bar felt as intimate as Gaetano’s. It was never this deserted, but I liked the idea of having a drink with Heron before we parted ways.

“Need a nightcap?”

“Sure. Why not?” I asked, taking a seat at the bar. My gaze swept over the streamers and balloons. Crow spoiled his ol’ lady. It was adorable. I hoped she wouldn’t mind that we missed the celebration. I’d make it up to her.

Heron moved behind the bar, reaching for two shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. “It’s this, rum, or tequila. Your choice.”

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