Page 24 of Winter's Heat

Linda’s fake eyebrows rise high but she snatches the lingerie out of my hands and stomps away. “You won’t make tips like that,” I whisper under my breath.

When she comes back, I point to the baskets with the clothes I’d chosen. “Get these purchased too.”

She huffs, carrying them over to the counter. Taking the pair of bras and panties, I head into one of the changing rooms nearby.

Shedding Kai’s clothes off me, I put on the bra and panties and stare at my reflection in the mirror before me. Is this really me? I wonder. How can something so simple bring such a huge change in the way I look and feel?

The bra has pushed up my full breasts, making my soft globes peek out seductively over the edge. Turning to the side, I check out the swell of my ass. The lacy design stretches across my curves prettily, making me flush with pleasure.

“You’re gorgeous, Winter,” a familiar voice speaks from the corner.

A gasp escapes me as I turn around.

Cole stands inside the changing booth, staring at me with such an intense gaze that my heart starts pounding against my chest.

“You need to be more careful,” he adds. “You forgot to lock the door.”

“Oh,” I mumble weakly. “I’m sorry about that. I must’ve been distracted or something.”

Stepping up to me, he gazes down at me. “Do I scare you?”

I shake my head. “Not at all.” Reaching up, I gently trace the crude scar that runs across his left cheek.

He stiffens at my touch and closes his eyes, letting me stroke the most vulnerable part of him.

“I’m glad,” I say.

Opening his eyes, he stares at me curiously. “About what?”

I brush a light thumb over his cheek. “I’m glad your eyes are safe,” I whisper. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful they are?”

“Winter...” With a sudden move, he pulls me against him and crashes his mouth against mine.

The sheer intensity of the kiss leaves me breathless. Groaning against my mouth, he pushes his tongue in, tasting me thoroughly.

Dark chocolate and coffee, my mind whispers as Cole’s pheromones wrap around me. His kisses are like the best mocha cappuccinos I’ve ever tasted.

Soft moans escape me as I drown in his taste, touch, and scent. My senses are completely overwhelmed as a deep throbbing erupts in my core.

My soft curves press against his hardened body as he pulls me closer.

“I’m so hot,” I moan against his lips as he continues to deepen the kiss.

A sliver of confusion flickers through me. I’m barely wearing anything and yet, heat radiates from my core, sending tendrils of fire through my veins.

It’s so hot...so hot...Oh, no! My heat!

A squeak escapes me as my eyes pop open.

Warm slick slides down my thighs as I stare at Cole.

Desire and confusion swirl in his icy-blue eyes as he stares back at me. His nostrils flare, inhaling the thick vanilla-scented air around us.

“Winter...you...are you...?”

I nod, feeling suddenly scared. “I think my heat is here.”

7

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