Free Flying in Shadows (The Black Creek Series, Book 2) by R.T. Wolfe

Resisting the urge to run his hands down her bare back, he felt
     hers move to rest on his sides. He pulled closer. Her small, toned body fit along
     the length of his.
    It was like a well-rehearsed dance. Noses and teeth weren't bumped unless they were
     meant to. He lost some resolve and ran his hands slowly over her shoulders, gliding
     them along her neck. He wasn't sure how long they stood there moving together on her
     damned porch. Or when they should come up for air.
    First kiss. He forced himself to keep it simple. So many thoughts swirled in his head.
     Feelings, needs. So much made sense to him now.
    Damn it. Now was definitely the time to pull back.
    He opened his eyes with her face in his hands, then kissed her once more gently. She
     kept hers closed for a few more staggering moments before looking up at him.
    Her face was different. Serious? Scared?
    She blinked twice and shook her head.
    The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she raised her shoes and jingled the keys.
     Still breathing fast, she rolled her shoulders before looking back up at him. "Nicest
     person I know. Thanks, Andy." She turned the lock and stepped inside, before giving
     a small wave and shutting the door.
    He smelled warm chocolate.

 
     
     
    Chapter 8

     
    "Did I hear the Mustang?" Nathan asked.
    He meandered into their kitchen and opened the fridge. The solid cherry wood had darkened
     with the years. It covered the common vinyl door to blend with the look of the cabinets
     he'd made with his own hands. Brie's heart gave a little jump as he twisted the cap
     of a beer, then leaned against the wall. Gray had invaded his jet black hair and lines
     formed around his eyes. She thought he looked sexier. His bold, blue eyes were presently
     locked on her. Standing in bare feet, she wore a tank and cotton shorts with a short
     house coat while wiping her hands on a dish towel.
    "Yes," he said.
    She turned and thought about his statement. "He didn't look right."
    Nathan meandered over to her and pressed his thumb between her brows, rubbing circles
     over the creases. "Candi?"
    "He wasn't sad. Not mad." She shrugged. "Different. Well, it's awfully early for him
     to be home anyway. Something must have happened."
    "Andy's a problem solver. He'll figure it out." Nathan craned his head to look at
     her backside in her shorts. "Counter looks comfortable."
    "Nathan." She put her palm in the middle of his chest. "The kids could come down."
    "Sleeping." He set his beer and her on the counter and pulled her legs around him.
    "Not Andy. Put me down." But she locked the tops of her feet behind him and trailed
     her hands up his arms.
    "Shower?"
    She bit her bottom lip. "We should conserve water and share." They kissed long and
     hard before chasing each other up the long, arched staircase.
    Andy paced his room, hands resting on his head. He heard the shower turn on, looked
     at the time and rolled his eyes.
    What the hell was that ? He kept asking himself the same questions. How did this happen? What had he been
     thinking? He could still taste her. Feel her skin under his fingers. And what was
     that look in her eyes? He couldn't read the expression. He had an entire conversation
     with himself trying to justify going over there right then and throwing rocks at her
     window. Would she answer? Nicest person I know and then shut the door in his face?
    He plopped down on top of his bed in his boxers, moving his linked fingers behind
     his head. He would have to study for finals and catch his afternoon plane on little
     rest, he realized, because sleep tonight was going to come very slow.
    This was Rose, he reminded himself. But, he couldn't quit thinking of her hair, her
     eyes. He would just go over there in the morning and straighten everything out. He
     rolled over and eventually sleep found him. His dreams were of red silk and painted
     toes resting on his dash.
    * * *
    With coffee in hand, Andy thoughtfully paced the kitchen floor. After looking