Jane's Gift (Lone Pine Lake 1)

llumination. It was simply furnished; she could just make out the brown leather couch and the big screen TV that dominated one wall. Typical man décor. She went to the hallway, noticed another dim light shone from the last open door on the right.

Chris’s room. It had to be.

She padded down the hall toward the open door until she stopped in front of it, her gaze alighting on Chris.

He lay on top of a huge bed, leaning against a mound of pillows. His arms were angled behind his head, hands clasped at the back of his neck, looking as casual as could be. A smile tilted his mouth, that sensual, delicious mouth that knew just how to kiss her. He flicked his chin in her direction.

“What’s in the bag?”

“Oh.” She glanced down, saw she still clutched the to-go bag in her hand. “Dessert.”

A dark brow lifted. “Dessert? Like what?”

“Cheesecake.” She set her purse on the floor by the doorway and turned to head back to the kitchen. “I’ll go put it away.”

“Wait a minute. What kind of cheesecake?”

She turned back around to face him, surprised he asked. “Uh, lemon raspberry cream.”

“I love cheesecake.” His expression read sweet young boy, yet the glow in his eyes was undeniably hungry, aroused male. “Got a fork in that bag?”

“I think so.” She opened it, saw the black fork in plastic wrap nestled inside. “I do.”

“Well, come here and share it, then.”

Jane went to him, admiring his lean physique. He wore navy blue flannel pants and nothing else, and all of that exposed, warm male skin left her momentarily speechless. Good thing he didn’t say anything, just offered his hand and she took it. Settled herself next to him, her booted feet hanging off the edge of the mattress.

Chris took the bag from her and opened it, peering inside, and she caught the gleeful expression on his face. He pulled out the plastic container and popped the top off, admiring the generous slice of cheesecake.

“You went to one of my favorite restaurants.” His gaze met hers, so serious, his mouth a straight, firm line.

“I love it, too. I haven’t been there in forever.” She pulled the wrapped fork from the bag and opened it, then handed it to him.

“Me neither.” He glanced down at the cheesecake then back up at her. “This looks good. I’ve never tried this kind before.”

“It’s new.”

“You want some?” He dug the fork in, slowly cutting off a small bite and then offered it to her.

She nodded.

Smiling, he held the fork in front of her and gestured for her to open her mouth. She did and he went to feed her, then yanked the fork away, popping the bite in between his lips instead. She watched, indignant, as he put on a big show, chewing and making all sorts of noises.

“That’s delicious,” he said once he’d swallowed.

“I’m sure.” She shook her head. “Thanks for sharing.”

He laughed. “It’s what you get for going there without me.”

“I didn’t choose. It was up to Chloe.”

“Yeah, blame poor innocent Chloe.” He forked up another bite. “Excuses, excuses.”

She wondered at his playful mood. “Are you going to share this time?”

“Are you worthy?” He held the fork in front of his lips, nibbling on the edge of the cheesecake, and she watched. Transfixed by the sight of his lips, the way the creamy cheesecake lightly coated them.

Goodness she was tempted to lean over and lick them clean.