Free Shattered Dreams (Moonchild) by Janet Lane Walters Page A

swallowed. “Forgot how great these are.”
    She put the fries on a plate and added a large blob of catsup. “What would you like to drink?”
    “Beer.”
    “Afraid not. I’ve soda, juice, water, wine, tea and coffee.”
    “Soda, then. Will be just like old times. Remember when we wished we could drink beer?”
    She giggled. “And the one time we did.”
    “We were smashed.” His head had spun and what seemed like hours had passed before he could ride. She’d nearly missed her curfew.
    She ran one large fry through the catsup and sucked the potato into her mouth. Rafe’s body responded with a surge to attention.
    Manon rounded the counter and sat on the stool furthest from him. “I’d forgotten how great these were.” She took a bite of the burger and sighed. “Do you remember the time when you ate two of these?”
    “How could I forget? I fell asleep and you woke me with a kiss. We had fun back then.”
    “We did.” Sadness flashed in her eyes.
    Was this the opening he’d been seeking? The night of two burgers had been the night the six members of the study group had made plans for the prom. He looked into her eyes. “There was a time when I remembered nothing.”
    “I can’t imagine how you felt. Must have been frightening. You were lucky your memories returned.”
    “There are still a few blank spaces. Most of the accident and the first few months of surgery and rehab are blurred.” He waited for her to ask questions but she continued to eat.
    Rafe leaned toward her. “I believe if we talk about the events surrounding the accident I’ll remember. Maybe even learn who caused the crash.”
    She shook her head. “I’ve no desire to talk about those days.” She straightened and her robe parted.
    The view sent blood rushing to Rafe’s groin. He set the burger on a plate. “Why not?”
    “Finish your burger before you say another word.”
    Did that mean she was willing to hear what he needed to say? Rafe took the last few bites at the same time as she finished her burger.
    Manon slid from the stool. She gathered the wrappers and tossed them in the trash. The plates went in the dishwasher. After washing her hands, she opened the freezer and removed a container.
    With a spoon and the tub in her hands, she walked toward him. “Dessert?”
    “New brand?”
    “There’s a shop in town where they sell more than ice cream, candy, gifts and decorations. Use a vanilla base. They’ll add your choice of flavors. Mine is swirls of raspberry and dark chocolate.” She dipped the spoon in the container and slid her tongue over the treat. She offered the spoon to him.
    Though he knew she hoped to divert him, he had to open a dialogue. “We need to talk.”
    She moved closer. “I need action. I need you. Once wasn’t enough.” She sucked in the ice cream from the spoon and pressed her lips to his.
    Rafe groaned. She was more tempting than the dessert.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    A burst of tart raspberry blended with the bitter dark chocolate and sweet vanilla cream brought Manon closer to Rafe.  His arms circled her waist. Her body throbbed in anticipation of the pleasure to come. She would win this round and prevent him from raising topics laced with pain. One of her hands stroked his neck. His strong pulse beat in harmony with hers. He cupped her rear and pressed her against his erection. She smiled. He was ready and so was she.
    When the kiss ended, Manon drew a deep breath. She dipped her fingers in the ice cream and brought them to his lips. He drew them into his mouth, sucking and curling his tongue over their length. She pulled back, took more and painted his neck. With quick strokes of her tongue she lapped the melting confection.
    Rafe growled. He pressed her against his erection and released, then pressed again.
    Delight filled her thoughts. This round was hers.
    Rafe slid her robe from her shoulders and anointed her breasts with the icy treat. Her nipples constricted into tight