Harvest of Love: Insta-Spark Collection

“A little.”

“How about a drink on the deck, then we’ll go to bed?”

“That sounds lovely.”

I poured us each a brandy and carried them out to the deck. Dani was curled up on the love seat by the fire pit. I handed her the brandies and, in five minutes, had a fire going. Sitting beside her, I took my brandy and hummed in contentment. We were quiet for a few moments, watching the flames catch and spread, the orange and yellow flickering in the dark. The snap and crack of the wood was the only sound in the darkness surrounding us.

“So peaceful,” she whispered.

I squeezed her knee. “It is. I love it here.”

“You use the fire pit a lot?”

“Yeah, I do. It’s great to sit and unwind at the end of the week or some nights if I can’t sleep. I light the fire and look at the stars.”

She glanced up, studying the sky. “Wow, they’re so bright here.”

“No lights or smog to detract from the view,” I replied.

She sighed, the sound soft and sad.

“You okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine. It feels odd, to be honest. Being here.”

“Odd?” I repeated.

“Quite often, I work from home on a Saturday night. Me, a bottle of wine, and my laptop. I wouldn’t have dreamed that I’d be sitting under the stars with a sexy stock boy slash chef who also happens to be a kissexpert.” She grinned. “Unexpected.”

Setting down my brandy, I slid closer, lifting her legs onto my lap. I draped my arm over the back of the frame and wrapped my hand around her thigh. “Good unexpected?” I asked. “Or bad?”

She cupped my cheek, her fingers restless on my skin. “Good,” she breathed out. “So good.”

I captured her mouth with mine, dragging her onto my lap. I groaned at the feel of her pressed against me. Her tongue slid along mine, the heat and taste of her mouth addictive. Brandy, peaches, and Dani. I slanted my mouth, kissing her deeper. Harder. She was right there with me, her soft whimpers ramping me up. She clutched my shoulder, fisting my shirt. I slid my hand under the shirt she’d borrowed, feeling the silkiness of her back. Our lips molded together seamlessly as we learned each other.

I broke away, burying my face into her neck. I kissed the soft skin, teasing it with my tongue. My desire for her once again took hold, and I nuzzled behind her ear. She gasped quietly, tilting her head to give me better access. I sucked her lobe into my mouth, nibbling at the tender flesh.

Then, unexpectedly, she yawned.

Not a small, easily covered-up yawn. A long, loud yawn that made her shiver in my arms.

Laughing, I pulled back. “Apparently my game is way off.”

“I’m so sorry.”

I stroked her cheek. “Don’t be. You had a long week, and then you came here and baked for us.” I smiled. “For me. You’re exhausted.” I stood, placing her on her feet. “I’m not upset. Let’s go to bed.”

I put the lid on the fire, making sure it was safe, then we went inside. Upstairs, I gave her a fresh shirt and an unopened toothbrush from the drawer.

“Prepared, are you?” she asked, teasing, but I saw the spark of worry in her lovely eyes.

I chuckled. “I’m hard on toothbrushes. I go through one every couple of weeks.” I opened the drawer to show her. “I keep a large supply.” I kissed her. “I’m not a player, Dani. Like I said, it’s been a long time.” I frowned. “In fact, aside from my family, I’ve never had a woman here. You’re the first.” I rubbed my nose along hers affectionately. “Get ready. I’ll be waiting.”

I pulled down the blanket, wondering if she would need more than the light covering. It was all I used in the summer. The house was cool thanks to the air conditioner, but not cool enough to need a duvet in the heat.

When she appeared, looking unsure but so sweet, I lifted the cover. “In.”

She slipped in, and I pulled up the cotton. “Do you need a heavier cover?”

“Um, are you sleeping here?”

“It is my bed. I planned to.”

“Then I’m good.”

“Be right back.”

I rushed through getting ready, coming out of the bathroom and stopping. Dani was curled up, hugging the pillow, and asleep. I smiled, feeling pleased she felt safe enough with me to relax and fall asleep, yet disappointed because I wasn’t ready for the night to end.

I slid in beside her, turning off the light. I left the one on in the bathroom in case she woke up disoriented. I reached over and stroked her hair, pleased when she turned and burrowed herself into my side, flinging her arm over my torso and hooking her leg with mine. The feel of her tight against me brought me a sense of completion I hadn’t realized was missing. Pressing a light kiss to her hair, I shut my eyes and let sleep take me.