Page 109 of Frozen Flames

She nods. “Yes, of course there is. But it was written in the nineteenth century. We have to be mindful of that.”

She reads the rest of the story until we finally finish the book, continuously debating the Jo, Amy, and Laurie fictional love triangle.

Then she asks me if I want to see the most recentLittle Womenmovie. When I agree, mostly for her benefit, since she seems excited to watch it together, she grabs the remote and turns on the TV.

When she finds the movie, I can’t help reliving every feeling I’ve ever had for her as she shoots me a look full of respect and something else.

“Claire,” I mutter, “come here.”

Her face changes when she notices my tone of voice, and suddenly she looks as if she’s longing for something. She settles in front of me, then her lips part, and I’m hard already. That’s all it takes with Claire.

I’ve never understood why.

Maybe because there was never any pressure, because I wasn’t with her.

Maybe because she’s never treated me like I’m any less of a man. Rather, she’s dwelled on how special I am since we met. Even when I wanted to hate her, my pull toward her was stronger.

“Yes?” she asks coyly.

“Kneel,” I tell her simply.

Her brow arches, and her eyes widen in response, but she indulges me. She drops the remote on the couch and kneels between my legs.

“Thank you, for today.” I caress her jaw.

I sense her shiver beneath my touch. “Harvey…I thought you said—”

“I know.” I nod, touching her lips now. “I know I said we’d take it slow. We should, but I also really want you.”

She swallows, and her eyes glisten at my words. I hope she believes me because they’re true.

I’m tired of waiting.

I’m no longer tied to Gemma.

I want Claire.

Why on earth would I keep wasting our time when we could be getting to know each other better and I could finally have a taste of her?

She leans her body closer to my chest. “I feel the same way, just so you know.”

The way she stares at me is unreal. How such an innocent stare could hold so much meaning and sensuality is beyond me. She gives me a small smile before crashing her lips against mine, electrifying my insides. It’s like the blood in my veins is flowing with ease.

My heart is pumping and singing.

I’m renewed.

I’m happy.

When Claire kisses me, it’s as if the sun will never set.

I grab her face as her hands slip around my forearms. I treat her like she’s delicate even though she’s anything but—she’s beyond strong.

We stare at each other with longing before I seal our lips together again.

Her kisses are perfect.

Her mouth melts against mine so perfectly.

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