Page 46 of When Sparks Fly

“Is that what you’re suggesting, Professor McKinnon?”

“I think it’s worth studying. For the sake of science. But I’ll need an assistant.”

Zoey put her finger on her chin, playfully pretending to be in deep thought.

“Well, I guess we could.” She winked. “You know—forscience.”

Mike rolled her onto her back in one smooth motion, staring down into her sparkling eyes.

“We’re going to take it nice and slow this time around.Realslow. I want to catalog every single sensitive spot on your body, for future reference.” He felt her tremble. “And after that, Professor Hartford, we’ll switch places and you can do the same to me.” He kissed her lips. “For science.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ZOEYWATCHEDTHEsky outside her window gradually brighten in shades of pink and gold. She’d stop it if she could. She’d gladly leave the world in darkness forever if it meant this night with Mike would never end.

He was sprawled crossways on her bed, sound asleep. She smiled and stroked the top of his head, which was heavy on her chest. She had a feeling anactualscience lab explosion wouldn’t wake him right now. She was exhausted, too, but she couldn’t sleep. Her body was humming with energy, as if she’d had half a dozen energy drinks at once.

Mike McKinnon was naked in her bed. They’d used up all four condoms—the green one was the funniest—and then they’d explored a few ways to find pleasure without needinga condom. There was a delicious ache between her legs, telling her that it had been way too long since she’d had sex. And also reminding her that she hadneverhad sex like that before.

Zoey had always considered herself a practical, nonexperimental lover. Sex was fun, but her married sex life usually consisted of Chris rubbing her shoulders and saying “wanna do it?” He hadn’t been a selfish lover, but he hadn’t been very creative, either.

But Mike was a whole new ballgame. He knew things. Anddidthings. And those things were very, very intense. Her fingertips gently circled against his scalp. The fact that she trusted him completely made it easier to let herself go and enjoy the ride. She smiled to herself.So to speak.The last year of her marriage hadn’t exactly been intimate. Soanytouch was likely to get her turned on.

No, it was Mike’s touch. Her friend. And now...her lover.

Last night, she’d told him nothing would ever be the same. Was it possible that it would bebetter? Tonight could be a bubble that would burst at any moment. But the bubble was oh, so sweet. It was something she’d want to tell her best friend about. The best friend who was currently naked in her bed.

“That feels amazing,” his low voice rumbled against her skin. “But don’t forget we’re out of condoms.”

She hesitated, then began moving her fingers in circles again. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I don’t think you did. I just...woke up and felt your fingers moving. Oh, shit...” He shifted a little, looking at the window. “Is that...?”

“Morning? I’m afraid so.”

“What time is it?”

“Almost six thirty.” She let out a long sigh. “We need to get up. The power’s still out, but the real world will be at the doorstep by eight. Isn’t that what time Owen and Zayne said they’d stop by?”

Mike nodded, stretched, then met her gaze. She could easily get lost in his eyes and ignore the real world. But that world wouldn’t ignore them, and she couldn’t allow anyone to find them like this. A chill went across her skin. She couldn’t allow anyone to know about last night—especially her daughter.

“Hey...” Mike’s eyebrows lowered in concern. “What’s wrong?”

“What happened last night can’t—”

He put his finger against her lips to silence her.

“We agreed that we wouldn’t call this a mistake.”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t going to call it a mistake. It’s just...whatever it was needs to stay between us. Whatever comes next, it can’t be some public boyfriend-girlfriend thing.”

“On one hand, you’re saying there’s anextfor us, and I’d really like to do this again.” He swooped in for a quick kiss. He was really good at that. “On the other hand, you’re saying we have to be a big secret. Why?”

“I have a daughter, Mike.”

“I’m aware of that.” He frowned. “Oh. You don’t want Hazel to know. That makes sense.” His expression didn’t match his words. He did not look happy.

“You know how this town is. Ifanyoneknows,everyoneknows. At least for now... Hazel can’t know I’m with you. With anyone. She thinks I’m totally single, and she wants me to stay that way.”

---