Free Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson Page A

last night—in his arms. Would it be so terrible if she stayed there just a little longer?
    “Where are the kids?” she asked softly, tilting her head back and not breaking eye contact.
    “Outside, cooking the rest of the meat.”
    “That should take at least five minutes.”
    “I’m counting on at least ten,” he said.
    She felt him sliding her down his body, lowering her feet to the floor. But he kept his hand at her waist, not intending for her to go anywhere out of touching distance. When she was standing, her legs automatically parted slightly to gain her balance; ironically it was just enough room for him to pull her close and place his thigh between them. She felt him again, the hardness of his erection that was resting between her legs.
    “Why didn’t you let me know that you had come inside?” she asked as intense heat shot up her core.
    An apologetic smile touched his lips. “I couldn’t have spoken even if I had wanted to, Kylie. Seeing you on that stool like that had me barely breathing.Has anyone ever told you that you’ve got one hell of a nice figure?”
    She tried not to be touched by the thought that he liked the way her body looked. “Yes, but it never really mattered.”
    “Oh.”
    “Until now.”
    He bent toward her. “You’re sure?”
    “Positive.”
    He intended to be certain of that. Moving his hand to the swell of her hips, he gently pulled her closer as he leaned down and slanted his mouth over hers. She tasted sweeter than he remembered and he was helpless to do anything but deepen the kiss. He knew the exact moment she placed her arms around his neck, bringing their bodies closer into a locked embrace.
    What he was sharing with her was a degree of passion he hadn’t shared with any woman in over seven years, and he was desperate for anything and everything she was offering. He suddenly felt it, a primitive need to bind her to him in the most elemental way. But he also knew he wanted more from her than just her body. He wanted her mind and soul as well.
    The sound of their kids’ laughter came through the closed window and they parted quickly, but hedidn’t release her. Resting his forehead against hers, he breathed in deeply, seeing the passionate look in her eyes and knowing it mirrored his own.
    He motioned his head toward the back door. “You don’t think they’re outside burning our dinner, do you?” he asked, making an attempt at gaining control.
    “I hope not,” she replied, trying to breathe again normally.
    “I came inside to keep you company. Tiffany suggested it.”
    “Did she?”
    “Yes. Is that a bad thing?”
    “Only if it meant doing so would give her more time alone with Marcus.”
    Chance gave her an incredibly sexy smile. “I didn’t think of that. But I guess there’s only so much they can do outside in the open.”
    Kylie smiled. “Thank heavens for that.”
    “And she happened to mention something to me that she said she hadn’t told you about yet.”
    “What?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, hoping whatever it was would not make her fall dead in a faint. She had asked, and Tiffany, although upset with her for asking, had assured her that she was still a virgin.
    Evidently Chance heard the panic in her voice and an easy smile touched his lips. “Relax, Kylie, that isn’t it. Far from it.”
    “Thank goodness for that.”
    “I personally don’t think they’ve taken their relationship to that level, which is a good thing. In fact I’m a little more confused than before by what she said, although it pleases me.”
    “Dammit, Chance, don’t keep me hanging,” Kylie said in a near desperate voice. “What did Tiffany tell you?”
    “Our kids have decided that although they intend to remain girlfriend and boyfriend, they also intend to further their education by going off to college, after which they’ll return here and then decide their future.”
    Kylie blinked. “Are you sure that’s what she said?”
    “I’m