Simply Sexy (Simply 5)

“Works for me,” Jake muttered.

Colin swallowed hard and remained silent.

“Brianne also wants peanut butter,” Jake said. “And some raisins if you have them. Oh, and she’d like a large glass of milk.”

Colin grimaced. “That’s what I call disgusting.”

“It’s what I’d call a craving,” Rina said, her eyes opening wide.

“What?” Jake walked over to Rina, obviously picking up on her choice of words. “What are you talking about?”

“Brianne’s got odd cravings. Could there be any special reason for them?” Rina wiggled her eyebrows knowingly while Jake, the macho cop, suddenly looked green.

“To hell with the celery,” he said, and bolted for the other room to talk to his wife.

Rina laughed. “Mission accomplished. Jake’s out of here and we can squeeze in a minute alone.”

“You went to all this trouble, arranged this party, all for me. Do you know how lucky I am to have you?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She smelled like Rina, an arousing floral scent that seeped into his bones. He smelled it in his sleep.

“Mmm. As long as you know how lucky you are, that’s all that counts.” She linked her hands around his neck and pulled him into a hot, tongue-tangling kiss.

But before things could get any deeper, a ringing cell phone interrupted them. With a groan, Colin reached for the phone clasped to his belt while Rina stepped back, resigned.

“Hello?”

“Merry Christmas, Colin.” He recognized Corinne’s voice.

His heart clenched in fear. “Same to you. Is Joe okay?” he asked, knowing she wouldn’t call without good reason.

“Actually, he’s doing well today. Holiday spirits and all that. He’d like to see you.”

Fear turned to anticipation. “I’d planned on coming to the hospital after dinner.”

“Could you make it before then? Actually, can you make it now? Joe’s strength is up and it’s a good time for the two of you to talk.”

“Go,” Rina whispered, obviously having overheard. “I understand.”

He didn’t want to leave, if only because he didn’t want to walk out on her again. But he needed to see Joe and he couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. “Tell him I’ll be there,” he said to Corinne.

“Thanks.”

Colin hung up and slipped the phone into his pocket, shooting Rina a regret-filled look. “I wish—”

“Shh.” She put a finger to his lips. “It’s Christmas. You should be with Joe. I’d go with you but I have a houseful of people.”

He placed his hand beneath her chin, tilting her face up toward him. “You thought about going with me. That means a lot.”

He bent to kiss her and, as usual, the kiss flared out of control. She teased him with her tongue, tracing the seam of his lips and darting inside before she pulled away.

“Just wanted to give you a taste. Come back tonight and I’ll give you even more.” A wicked gleam flickered in her gaze, making him laugh. He’d already grown hard with wanting her.

Getting through the day, his desire unrelieved, would be hell. Dealing with Joe and the subject of family, the paper and Corinne would be even worse.

“Hey you two, quit necking and get inside for a toast.” Emma said, banging on the wall by the kitchen, making her presence known. “It’s rude to make out when you have company waiting. I, on the other hand, do not have company. So would you mind pointing out the least trafficked area so I can get my dear Stan alone?”

Colin rolled his eyes.

Rina laughed. “Probably the bathroom, since this is a small place. Sorry, Emma, but today won’t be the most romantic day you’ll ever spend.”