Page 14 of Snowed in with the Grump

As his tongue brushes my lips, I melt against him. I've wanted this—needed him—for so long. His lips trace a searing path along my neck. Every nerve ending ignites. I arch into his touch, consumed with desire.

I tug at the hem of his shirt, craving the hard muscle underneath, when hesitation creeps in. Although unlikely this late, the others could still return and walk in on us at any moment.

And here I am, melting into Carter's embrace—guilt wars with desire.How would I explain all this to Sarah?

I've never confessed my feelings for her brother, and if she found us together, would she feel betrayed? Hurt that I kept this from her? Although I was too shy and insecure to do it at the time, now I’m kicking myself.

As if sensing my sudden withdrawal, Carter stills. Foreheads touching, I keep my eyes closed, my heart hammering against his chest. His ragged breath warms my tingling lips. We stay like that for a long time, breathing each other in.

“Are you okay with this?” he asks roughly. “We can stop—”

“I don't want to,” I admit. “But they could come back at any moment and catch us.”

Carter sighs, caressing my hair until I meet his gaze again. “Why does it matter? We're both adults. We can do what we want, Ava.”

He's right. I laugh nervously. “I'm overthinking this, aren’t I?”

Carter must read the lingering doubt in my eyes because he says, “Nothing has to change between us. But I want you. I think you want me too. We don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with.”

“I am comfortable, but let's take it slow.”

Carter caresses my hair while his thumb traces delicate circles on my lower back. His touch is comforting. I nuzzle closer, inhaling the woodsy scent clinging to his soft flannel shirt.

“We'll figure this out,” he murmurs. “Together.”

I cling to him, anchoring myself, letting his words sink in and reassure me. He wants me just as much but will go at my pace.

Hope blooms in my chest, drowning out the doubts. I nuzzle closer, and my doubts and guilt fade to background noise. All I can focus on is him. Us.

Carter captures my lips, longing etched into every urgent kiss, every feverish caress. With his arms around me, believing him is easy. I'm not alone in this terrifying, exhilarating wanting.

Lost in Carter's passionate kisses, I float higher than ever, all my doubt erased. His arms envelop me as he whispers promises against my skin. I never want this moment to end.

But then Carter stills, brows knitting. He lifts his head, inhaling deeply and cursing under his breath.

“Do you smell that?”

“Dinner!” I exclaim.

In an instant, he's on his feet, all soldierly focus. I cling to the doorframe, my legs weak and unsteady as he strides to the kitchen, taking charge.

Once the chaos subsides, Carter pulls me into his arms.

“I'm sorry, Sunshine. Got a bit carried away.”

I shake my head, my heart swelling. “It's perfect. You're perfect.”

I pour two generous glasses of wine with trembling hands.

“Cheers,” I say, raising my glass to Carter.

“Cheers,” he replies, clinking his glass against mine.

The alcohol burns my throat but does little to steady my nerves. If the crackling tension between Carter and I keeps building, I won’t have any restraint left.

I take another desperate gulp as my gaze drifts to the window.I press my palm to the cold glass. The wind howls, rattling the window like an angry spirit demanding entry.

“It’s getting worse out there,” I murmur.

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