Page 13 of Snowed in with the Grump

She's so beautiful it makes my chest ache. The cold has painted a rosy blush onto her skin. Her bright eyes flicker with interest.

I lose myself momentarily as the undeniable heat simmering below the surface of my skin rises, igniting a primal urge, a need to get closer.

My heart hammers against my ribs.

“Listen, Ava,” I begin awkwardly, my voice gruff.

Words stick in my throat. I've never been good at expressing emotions, but I can't hold back any longer.

“Can I?” I ask hoarsely, wanting to taste the sweet surrender on her lips.

Taking a deep breath, I brush my thumb over her wind-chapped lips. Her breath hitches as she nods consent, and her lips part in a silent invitation.

I brush my lips against hers. I’ll stop if she resists, but Ava leans into me with a moan that makes heat pool deep in my gut.

Her mouth is sweet relief against the bitter chill. Our kiss becomes passionate, our tongues exploring new territories.

I cup her face before trailing my hands down her sides, mapping her curves through the fabric of her clothing. They slide down to rest securely on her hips, an anchor amid the storm of desire.

Ava winds her arms around my neck, pulling herself closer. Her body pressed against mine sends pleasure coursing through every nerve ending.

A soft whimper escapes Ava as I explore the sensitive nape of her neck with my teeth and tongue.

Desire crackles between us like a wildfire, threatening to consume everything in its path, leaving no room for thoughts, only sensations.

Ava's hand moves to my chest, and her fingers trace the outline of my muscles. Her touch is electric, making me grow harder.

My grip instinctively tightens on her hips. Her breathy moans drive my need higher, her every touch a delicious promise.

“Damn, Ava,” I groan as she grinds against me.

Heat surges through my veins. The desire to take things to the next level is indescribable. It's like we're meant to be together—she completes me in a way I’ve never acknowledged.

Something in the back of my mind warns me we could get caught, but I ignore it, consumed by the growing need to make her mine.

I crave the thrill–the possibility someone could walk in and catch us heightens the intense moment. Let them find us. I don't care anymore.

I want to feel her, taste her, and share this perfect moment.

We break apart slowly, breathless and panting hard against each other's lips.

“Wow,” Ava whispers against my lips as she looks up at me with those beautiful blue eyes that seem to hold all the secrets of the universe.

“Yeah,” is all I can muster as a response before nuzzling the hair from her face. I'm afraid to break the fragile moment by moving too suddenly.

CHAPTER5

AVA

My pulse quickens as Carter tucks my hair back, his fingers trailing fire along my skin. I wet my lips, my throat dry. Slowly, drawn together like magnets, our faces drift closer until his breath whispers over my lips.

“Ava,” Carter murmurs before closing the gap.

Carter presses his lips to mine, sparking an electric current through my body. Years of suppressed longing fuel the kiss as it deepens, leaving me dizzy and breathless.

I've dreamed of this moment for so long, but the reality of Carter's mouth slanting over mine is surreal. Like I'll wake up any second, aching and alone. But the tingling heat of his palm now cupping my cheek is real. This is happening.

As we kiss harder, I clutch his broad shoulders to stay upright on my trembling legs. Carter grips my waist possessively, pulling me closer until I'm practically in his lap. My skin blazes everywhere we touch, hungry for more contact.

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