Free Overnight Cinderella by Katherine Garbera Page B

teenage boy, but the fantasy he’d harbored deep inside about hearth and home. She was the kind of woman who’d make the house warm and welcoming.
    â€œThat’s not necessary.”
    He’d always hated to eat at someone’s house because it reminded him very strongly of the things missing in his life. Reminded him of a comment he’d overheard one time. Those orphans are always looking for a handout.
    â€œI insist. I’ll make something gooey and fattening.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause whenever you choose food, you aren’t very nutritious.”
    â€œAnd you are? I don’t think Godiva chocolates are on any nutrition list.”
    â€œTouché.” She laughed then, head thrown back and body quivering with joy.
    He wanted her so much at that moment he didn’t care if they were visible from the street. He reached out with his right hand to caress her neck. The laughter still trembled through her. Leaning over, he kissed her.
    She came easily to him, her hand gripping his arm as if to keep him from moving. He wasn’t going anywhere, he thought. Not until he’d uncovered every nuance of Cami.
    Stop reaching out to her, he warned himself, but he was unable to stop. He craved her as he’d craved a family when he was a child. And like that irrational craving, this emotional involvement could only lead to doom.
    Right now, holding her close, tasting the essence of woman and feeling her breasts pressed to his chest, nothing mattered.
    When he deepened the kiss, he felt her nipples tighten against his chest. Felt her feminine flesh ready itself for him through the thin layers of her silk blouse and his dress shirt. Felt his loins grow heavy and desire strengthen him.
    Her pulse beat faster than a runaway car. She moaned softly and tilted her head to the side. He slid his hand deeper into her hair, supporting the back of her neck so that their embrace wouldn’t end. Not yet.
    A car backfired and their whereabouts trickled into his awareness. Cami’s eyes were closed, a light pink flush covered her cheeks, and her lips were wet and swollen. She was still in passion’s playground.
    Her hips moved the tiniest bit against his aroused manhood and Duke groaned. Her eyes opened a little bit. She gave him a half smile that was far too sexy for this sweet woman.
    â€œDammit, Cami.” He reached over her shoulder and pushed open the door she’d unlocked earlier. The porch light spilled through the window and castlong shadows around them. Duke stepped into the dark world where he was familiar.
    â€œAre you angry?” she asked with a quiver in her voice.
    Dammit, he cursed again. A minute ago she’d been confident of herself and him. Now she trembled. She was a virgin, he reminded himself, and a sheltered one at that.
    â€œCami, I’m not the kind of man you should be kissing.”
    She followed him into the shadows and only the faint sheen of her eyes was visible. “I know. I should stick to someone like Carl in accounting.”
    This woman belonged to him. No, she didn’t, he reminded himself firmly. Yet from the depths of his soul he felt she was his. “Who’s Carl?”
    â€œA CPA with glasses and polyester suits.”
    Some geek was her dream man? “He’s who you think you belong with?”
    â€œNo, but it’s who you think—”
    â€œDon’t put words in my mouth, sweetheart. I want you more than any woman. I’d have given anything to finish what we started out there but I’m not right for you.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œYou’re on the cusp of discovering your power as a woman, Cami, and that’s exciting. But in the long run you’ll only be happy with a family. I’m your guy for a red-hot affair but not for a husband.”
    â€œDuke, I don’t need you to tell me what I want.”
    â€œI know that,” he said, touching her face lightly. He