Page 28 of Up in Flames

Snorting out a laugh, I turn in his grip and move over to the blanket. “Well, c’mon then. Let’s assume the position so I can finish this chapter.”

Cain smiles, walking to the tree. He sits, spreading his legs so I can sit between them, and I grab my laptop, placing it back on my lap as I lean into him.

Right where we should be.

His arms wrap around me, his head on my shoulder, and I get to work.

Eventually, I notice the small shards of sunlight that sparkle through the clouds, looking like rays from heaven, fade. The sky turns darker as the blue shifts to a more somber purple hue. It’s pretty, but it’s becoming cold, and I’ve gotten hours of writing done.

Now it’s time to spend some quality moments with Cain, so I shut my laptop abruptly.

Cain rests his chin on my shoulder again. “Done for the day?”

Nodding, I place the laptop next to us on the blanket and turn around to face him. My legs bend over the top of his, he shifts a little away from the tree, and then they loop around him, so I’m basically hanging onto him like a monkey. He chuckles and leans down to kiss me. That spark ignites as his soft lips caress mine so tenderly I almost forget where we are.

“Woo-hoo,” someone calls out as another wolf whistles while passing us. I giggle against Cain’s lips as I pull back from him.

He looks up at me and exhales. “You should turn around. The clouds have parted, the sun is setting, and the sight is nearly as beautiful as you are,” he remarks. I can’t help but smile before leaning in and kissing him quickly, then unwrap myself from around him. Turning, I stare at the sunset with his arms wrapped firmly around my waist. The sun slowly fades in shades of pink and yellow while it moves lower behind the trees. The birds start to quiet as the air becomes still and frosty.

Exhaling abruptly, Cain nuzzles into my neck. “Thank you for today,” I tell him, breaking our silence.

He kisses my cheek. “You’re welcome. Glad I could help, even if I was absent for a little bit of it. We can do this every Saturday if you want?”

“Really? You’d do that for me?” A smile creeps over my face.

“I hardly ever get downtime, so spending the afternoon with you is perfect.”

Biting my bottom lip, I lean in and kiss his cheek. “Guess we better get back to the apartments.” I start to move, but he tightens his hold around my waist, making me giggle.

“Just a little longer,” he requests. I see in his eyes that he needs this. The down time. The peace and quiet.

“How can I refuse?” I lean back into him and breathe the clean air while taking in the spectacular view before me.

Today wasn’t about our sexual chemistry like it was yesterday. Today, we spent most of the day with each other. Sure, it felt electric every time he touched me, and the urge to kiss him was so strong that I gave in multiple times, but it was fun to know we could be together without it being overly physical. Our attraction goes deeper than that. It’s beyond physical—it’s emotional. I think when he came back from work with bloodied and bruised hands proved that. The fact I didn’t run. The fact he didn’t push me away. Being together releases sensations that tell us we have to be together.

It’s not an option.

It’s a fact.

Eventually, we pack away the items from our picnic and walk to the parking lot, where we agree to meet at my apartment.

As I drive home, I feel elated. This was the best day of my life, even with the hiccup of his work.

Some may think sitting in a park and just being with each other is boring. Let’s face it. Most of the time, I sat there, ignoring my boyfriend.Is he my boyfriend?I know we’re exclusive. It’s a little early to call him that, but today was perfect for us, no matter the label.

Taking the fever down a notch was a good idea.

Being in public assured nothing could go further than a kiss.

Now, heading back to the apartment, I know Joey will be there, so nothing too hot and spicy will be going on when she’s there to witness.

After parking, I notice Cain hasn’t arrived yet, so I head up and warn Joey he’s coming. I get to the door and slide in the key when a hand glides around my waist. I smile and lean back into him as I smell Cain’s aftershave. Turning my head to meet his lips, he kisses me softly, and I smile through the kiss when he starts to chuckle.

“Is there a reason you’re smiling while kissing me?”

“Yes, because I’m so happy. You make me happy,” I tell Cain honestly before I can filter my words.Oh, man, that made it sound like I’m falling for him. Which I can’t be because it’s too soon.Get a grip, girl!

Cain winces, noticing my uneasiness. He moves his body against mine and pushes me up against my door before smashing his mouth against mine. I let his tongue enter as his body molds against mine. My hands fly up around his neck, and my fingers thread into Cain’s hair at the nape of his neck. The constant contact today, but also the lack of sexual contact, has only heightened things for us as he turns the key in the lock, opening the door.

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