Free It Happened One Christmas by Kaitlin O'Riley Page B

not out in full view of anyone who happened to pass by. And if someone did happen to venture out on such an uninviting day and spied their scandalous embrace, they did not care. So lost in the sensations of their kiss, they did not even notice the increased darkening of the leaden sky.
    Ignoring the cold wind that buffeted them, Quinton instinctively sought the heat between them, his arms wrapped firmly around her small body. He shielded her from the brunt of the wind. She was so small and slender, he could scoop her up in his arms without the slightest effort. And the thought of doing just that and carrying her to his warm bed consumed him. Making love to this woman would be sheer pleasure and nothing less.
    He could not get enough of kissing her. And it scared him not to know if he ever would.

7
    A Thrill of Hope
    Swirling snowflakes scattered on the wind around them, covering the sand in a dusting of white.
    Lisette could not have cared less about the snow. With Quinton Roxbury’s strong arms wrapped around her, she had the oddest sensation that nothing could harm her. And nothing else mattered except this wild, extraordinary kiss. She was lost in the feel of his mouth on hers, the all-consuming heat. The driving need to feel him left her breathless.
    This kiss made her forget that she was engaged. Made her forget Henry Brooks. Made her forget that she was standing on a beach in full public view. Made her forget that Quinton had a fiancée. His mouth on hers was her entire focus.
    They finally broke free of each other’s embrace and stared into each other’s eyes, trying to regain their breath. Quinton held her hands in his, the wind and snow swirling about them.
    It was then that Lisette remembered all that she had forgotten just a moment ago. Henry. Her engagement. Quinton’s upcoming wedding.
    â€œWhat are we doing?” she whispered breathlessly.
    He shook his head. “I don’t know.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t know.”
    Good heavens but she wanted him to kiss her again. Wanted him to kiss her all night long. The intensity of this newfound desire terrified her. “You need to stay away from me.”
    â€œI know.” He brushed his lips against her cheek. “You’re right.”
    The warmth of his breath sent shivers of delight through her entire body. Lisette swayed and closed her eyes, unable to bear the look of longing in his eyes for she was sure it mirrored her own. Quinton held her closer, supporting her weakened state, and for that she was most grateful. She didn’t trust her own legs to hold her. She leaned her head against his broad chest. He was so warm and strong and solid and smelled of bayberry. She could stay in his arms this way forever and not mind in the least. He sheltered her from the worst of the cold wind and the snow that sprinkled down on them but did nothing to cool their passion for each other.
    His mouth came down over hers yet again. She did not resist in the least. No. Lisette leaned into him, eager for the feel of his mouth upon hers, longing to meet his tongue with her own. Giddy with the hot, swirling emotions that swept through her entire body, she was helpless to do anything else in the face of his desire for her. His kiss destroyed her resolve, her will to say no. His kiss gave her everything she ever wanted.
    They clung to each other, embracing tightly, seeking the heat that burned between them. The passion only increased with each passing minute. They might have been there for hours, for time had lost all meaning. She forgot that she was on a cold and deserted beach. Forgot that she was promised to another. All that mattered was her uncontrollable hunger for this man. The wild desire to be with him in any way she could. Never had she felt this reckless, urgent need to be kissed, to be touched by another human being. And heaven help her, but she wanted more, needed more, from this man. From him. Only