Free His Love by Jennifer Gracen Page B

downstairs yet, anyway.”
    “And Wren?”
    “Stayed at her boyfriend’s place.”
    “Aha. Doubt we’ll see her today, then.” Toni hit the button on the machine and turned to him. “So… we’re more or less alone right now?”
    “Pretty much.” He ran a hand through his hair, doing his best to ignore the way his body was buzzing. She stood there, her back against the counter, looking at him. The only sound in the room was the water boiling and percolating as it made her coffee.
    “Ehm…” He offered her a hesitant grin. “Everything all right?”
    “Of course.” She grinned back, but had a strange look in her eyes. He couldn’t read her. “So… let me ask you something.”
    “Go on.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited.
    She grasped one of her long curls, twisting it around her finger. “How do you feel about summer flings?”
    His heart started to beat in thick, heavy pulses. “Seriously?”
    “Yup.” Her eyes didn’t leave his. The machine behind her gurgled and steamed.
    “Well, frankly, I’ve never had one,” he said.
    “Would you like to?” she asked, her voice quiet.
    “With you? Hell, yes.” He crossed the kitchen to stand right in front of her. “What about you?”
    She chewed on her lip, the nervous gesture endearing to him. “Well… we can’t deny there’s some serious chemistry here.”
    “True.”
    “Last night was pretty damn hot.”
    “Also true.”
    “And you’re leaving on August first. That gives us only three weeks.”
    “Also gives us a definite end date,” he said.
    “Right. So…” Pink crept into her cheeks, but her eye contact held steady. The look on her face was a fascinating blend of determination and nervousness. “I think we could have a really fun, hot three weeks together.”
    He edged closer, but didn’t touch her. The pulsing energy between them was almost palpable. “I think you’re probably right.”
    She nodded, chewed on her lip again, and put her hand on his chest. He watched her intently, letting her lead. The room suddenly fell silent as the Keurig stopped its brewing. Slowly, he took off his glasses and reached around her to set them on the counter. Their eyes held for a long beat. He lifted his hand and covered hers, holding it against his chest, wondering if she could feel how hard his heart was beating.
    “And hey, guess what?” she whispered.
    Barely able to breathe, his brows arched in reply.
    “I’m stone cold sober.” She winked and a mischievous grin burst through.
    “Well, in that case…” He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers, leaning her back against the counter as his fingers threaded through her hair. She responded instantly, kissing him back with matching fervor, wrapping her arms around his neck and letting his tongue tangle deliciously with hers.
    Holding her tight, feeling her lush softness against him, tasting her sweet mouth… the sensations all battered him, and he pulled her in even closer.
    “Take me upstairs,” she whispered against his lips. “Take me to bed. Now.”
    Drawing back, he took her hand and led her up the stairs without a word. Deciding her room would be more comfortable for her, he headed straight for her door.

Chapter Eight
    ‡
    A s soon as her door closed, Gavin grabbed Toni by the waist, yanked her against him, and crushed his mouth to hers in a possessive, hungry kiss that stole her breath. She couldn’t believe this was happening, and she couldn’t believe how openly wanting he was. He groaned into her mouth, making her almost dizzy with lust and need. Her fingers ran through his soft, fine hair as his lips trailed along her throat and his hands slid up her back. He pressed her body tighter against his as his mouth found hers again, his obvious desire sweeping her away with him. By the time they broke apart, they were both panting as if they’d run a race.
    “I’ve wanted you since the night I met you,” Gavin whispered, leaning his forehead against hers