Page 31 of Snowed in with the Grump

“Everything nice,” he finishes, making us both laugh again.

Spending time with Carter feels so easy, so right. As if reading my mind, he caresses my cheek.

“I've never laughed like this with anyone. How did I get so lucky to be snowed in with the perfect woman?”

My heart swells so it’s fit to burst. “Takes one to know one.”

The oven timer dings. The warm scent of chocolate fills the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Carter selects a warm, melty cookie for me to taste. “Open wide.”

When I bite, he smears chocolate on my nose.

“You're gonna pay for that.”

Carter's eyes linger on my lips, and his eyes darken. The atmosphere shifts, charged with a different energy as he pulls me against him and silences me with a chocolatey kiss.

I melt into Carter's arms, and his lips are soft and warm against mine.

The kitchen fades away as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. His strong hands grip my hips, pulling me tighter to him.

I cling to his muscular shoulders, flour handprints staining his shirt. He tastes like chocolate chip cookies, sweet and addictive.

Carter lifts me onto the counter, and I wrap my legs around his waist. His hands slide under my shirt, caressing the bare skin of my back. I arch into his touch, my breath coming faster.

His kisses trail down my neck and along my collarbone, each one sending sparks through my body.

When he pulls my shirt over my head, his eyes blaze as they rove over my body. I feel beautiful and desired under his gaze as I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing myself against him.

He leans in for another kiss, this one slow as our tongues explore each other hungrily. His hands roam my body greedily, kneading and caressing every curve.

I moan softly into his mouth, and desire spreads tendrils of heat low in my belly.

I break the kiss to trail my lips down his stubbled jaw to his neck, nipping at the sensitive skin there.

I tug his shirt, needing to feel his skin on mine, and he helps me pull it over his head.

His eyes lock with mine, dark with desire but also full of tenderness.

“Ava,” he rasps.

I run my hands over the defined muscles of his chest and abs before bringing his mouth back to mine. He groans, gripping my hips harder, grinding me against the ridge in his jeans.

He breaks away from the kiss to slide off my shirt and bra before returning to capture my lips. I moan as he circles one nipple with his thumb, then takes it into his mouth, sending shock waves through my body as he sucks and teases it with soft licks of his tongue.

He moves to the other side and repeats the torture before making a slow trail down my stomach with kisses until he reaches my waistband.

I lift my hips so he can remove my pants and underwear in one swift motion, leaving me exposed to his heated gaze.

“Carter,” I breathe against his lips.

My need for him is overwhelming. My hands go to his belt, fumbling impatiently.

Sensing my urgency, he helps me, muttering in a husky voice, “Tell me you're ready.”

“I’m always ready for you,” I whimper.

With a groan, he slides inside me, filling me up. My legs tighten around his waist, pulling him deeper as his heart thrums in sync with mine.

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