Page 17 of Burn for Me
“Yeah, later,” he replied in that sinful voice of his.
Hurrying out of the bath, Kitty dashed around getting herself dressed and making sure the apartment was company ready. Humming to herself, she got out plates and soy sauce ramekins, put a bottle of white wine in the fridge to cool, and took out clean glasses.
Just as she was putting the finishing touches to the dining table, the downstairs buzzer sounded. Running her hands nervously over her hair one last time, she went to get the door.
Opening it, she took a moment to absorb the sight of Gray standing on her threshold. Her mouth watered, and it most definitely wasn’t the sushi causing it. He was casually dressed in well-worn jeans and a T-shirt that lovingly hugged every chiselled muscle underneath. Clearly, he was no slouch when it came to staying fit.
“Hi again.” He smiled.
“Hi.” Stepping aside so he could enter, she smiled up at him. “Come on in. Welcome to my home.” Leading the way, she headed for the kitchen.
“Thank you. I come bearing food. Where would you like me to put it?”
“In the kitchen, but I thought we could eat at the table in the dining room, if that’s okay with you?”
“Sure, that sounds perfect. Lead the way.”
* * *
Dinner over and dishes done,Kitty led Gray into the living room.
“Have a seat. Can I get you some more wine before I sit?”
Sitting, he shook his head. “I’m driving, so no more for me.”
“I have an early start, so I should probably switch to something else too. How about some coffee?”
“Sounds great, thanks,” he replied.
By the time she’d made coffee, Gray had found her iPod and was searching her playlists. Choosing a song, he returned the iPod to its docking station, and music began to play softly.
“I see you’re a Nickelback fan,” he said as he took the tray from her.
“Yep, nothing like Nickelback cranked up good and loud to keep you company on the early morning drive in to work. When most everyone else is still snuggled down in their beds and I’d far rather be there too.”
With a laugh, he returned to his spot on the sofa. “I would never have pictured you as a rock chick, but I think it’s pretty hot.”
Sitting facing him on the sofa with her knee drawn up on the cushion, she blushed, not knowing how to respond.
Laughing again, he teased, “You have to be the only woman I know who blushes. And you even manage to make that look graceful.” His smile fading, Gray leaned forward and wrapped his hands around her upper arms, gently tugging her over until she was sitting in his lap.
At first, Kitty was unsure of herself. Sitting in Gray’s lap was a new experience for her. She’d never felt comfortable doing it; she always worried she was too heavy. But he seemed oblivious to her inner turmoil. Clearly it wasn’t an issue for him, so she decided to just go with it.
They talked for a while, about this and that, getting to know each other a bit better. Seeing Gray was quite at ease with their situation, Kitty finally settled into him and was feeling a sense of peace she hadn’t felt since the fires in the area had started. As he ran his hand up and down her arm idly, she felt him begin to relax beneath her.
“Tell me about your day,” Kitty requested.
“Well, there’ve been two highs in my day. Kyle and I popped in to see Matthews – that’s where we’d come from when I popped in at the bakery. He’s pulled through, against all odds, and has now been transferred from ICU to High Care.” Pausing, he leaned his forehead against hers, one of his hands going to the back of her neck, holding her to him.
“That is good news. I’m glad to hear he’s doing okay, Gray. And the second?” She bit her lip as she waited for his response.
She watched as he followed the movement with his eyes, saw them darkened with desire. It kindled an answering burn within her. Shifting position, Kitty straddled Gray.
“Knowing I’d get to see you again tonight.” Pausing, he looked into her eyes, before he continued, “Fair warning Kitty, I’m going to kiss you again. I can’t help myself. When you do that biting thing? It drives me nuts.”
Using the hand he’d wrapped around the back of her neck, he slowly drew her in.
With a sigh, she softened and relaxed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He deepened the kiss as she felt him harden beneath her. Ever so slowly, he slid his hands under her T-shirt. Running his hands gently up and down her back, she marvelled at how different his skin felt from her own. She was soft in contrast to the hard of his.
