Free Cup of Sugar by Karla Doyle Page B

putting her on top. “You were cold,” he said at her surprised gasp. “I felt you shaking.”
    “That wasn’t because I’m cold.” Her cheeks burned in spite of their snowy surroundings. “It was because you’re making me hot.”
    “Are you trying to seduce me again?” His grin belied the feigned innocence.
    She giggled rather than protesting this time. “Maybe.” Their change in position had freed her legs. She lay atop Conn’s large, solid body, their hips perfectly aligned for more heat production, were it not for her coat. And Conn’s dog.
    Apparently, Zeus had mistaken their rolling and kissing for playtime, because he dropped to his front legs beside them. Haunches in the air and tail wagging, he woofed . And woofed and woofed some more.
    “I think that’s our cue to get moving,” Conn winked, “and not in the way I’d like.”
    She stood and brushed the snow from her kiss-weakened knees. “It’s probably for the best.”
    On his feet and at her side, he scooped up her hand and tucked it under his arm. A simple gesture that likely meant nothing, yet struck another blow to her rapidly crumbling defenses where Conn was concerned.
    He looked down at her with one of his killer, sweet-and-sexy smiles. “Yeah, I want to know that your nipples are hard because of me, not the weather.”
    “So you’re jealous of Jack Frost?”
    The air amplified his laugh. Made it richer somehow. “I suppose I am. Giving you hard nipples and pink cheeks should be my job alone.”
    The playfulness and kissing, walking arm in arm, now a comment like that… A wave of butterflies fluttered to life in her chest. Given her track record, she should know better. If she was smart, she’d squash those stupid, hopeful butterflies before they turned to heart-devouring parasites.
    What she should do disappeared like a puff of foggy winter breath when Conn wrapped his arm around her and pulled her tight against his side. Screw it, she was going to enjoy the rest of this weekend. Reality and restraint could wait one more day.
     

 
    Chapter Six
     
    Conn had a stomach full of roast chicken, potatoes and delicious apple crumble. He and Nia had offered to take care of the post-dinner cleanup, but Meredith had refused, enlisting Peter instead. Sara had disappeared to her room at the first opportunity. Now Conn and Nia had the Chambers’ cozy family room to themselves.
    Zeus had made himself at home and fallen asleep in front of the fireplace. Nia sat across from Conn, smiling over the top of her wine glass, the flickering amber from the flames and the onset of one of her adorable blushes giving her face an irresistible glow. This weekend had turned out pretty great.
    Starting with last night in the motel. From the first kiss, she’d gotten under his skin. Sex with Nia had been natural and connected, as if they’d done it a hundred times. Not boring though. Hell no. Each touch had lit him up like the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the TV. He’d wanted to keep going all night long. Fucking her, making love, licking, touching and kissing her. Jesus, just thinking about it had him hard and ready for action.
    But it was more than the sex. Every hour, every minute he spent with Nia, he liked her more.
    Smart, a sense of humor and comfortable with herself. All great traits. The fondness and respect she showed her parents reminded him of how he fit with his folks, even though he had to visit them separately now. Family mattered to Conn, and clearly, Nia felt the same.
    Made him think maybe things could work out with Nia. Maybe even long term. It wasn’t as if he didn’t want a permanent relationship, or hadn’t tried to have one. He couldn’t help looking at Peter and Meredith and wishing for something similar. A comfortable home, nice family, obvious mutual love and affection. Conn’s parents had fit that model too, once upon a time. As a kid, he’d considered them an unbreakable unit. Other people’s parents split up. Not his.