Free Bitter Hearts (A Southern Loving Book 3) by Ava Thorn

provide a handmade crib for his cousin’s babies. 
    Working
with wood always made Hank think of Sean McBride; the man who raised him like a
son. He was also the man who taught him how to wield a chisel. He remembered
the long, peaceful hours working with his uncle. The years had passed by
quickly and Hank was still trying to get past the grief of losing his mother,
uncle and aunt. Every time he stepped foot in a wood shop or smelled fresh cut
lumber he thought about his uncle and the gift he shared with him.
    “Hello,”
said a sweet familiar female voice. “You’re working quickly.”
    Turning
off the machine Hank turned to see Kari standing in the doorway; she looked
like she just stepped off a runaway. He shrugged and went back to cutting the
lumber.
    Kari
pursed her lips and stepped back from the loud machinery and watched as Hank
expertly cut the wood. Every time the blade sank into the piece she cringed
thinking that he may cut himself. Staying in the workshop would rack havoc on
her sinuses if she stayed longer in the room.
    “Did
you get the dimension guidelines and the non-toxic finishing for the cribs?” she
asked.
    “I
got it,” he yelled over the grinding of the machine.
    Kari
nodded her head.  With nothing else to say, she backed out of the room and went
outside into the cool afternoon air making her way to her car. She was about to
open the door when his voice stopped her.
    “Kari.” 
Hank said nonchalantly. “We need to talk.” He walked over towards her.
    Tentatively,
Kari closed the car door and took a few steps toward Hank.
    “Hank?”
she asked, a little uncertainly. “Is something wrong?”
    Hank
shook his head no, as he took off his gloves. “We need to talk.”
    “About
what?” she managed to say, tearing her eyes away from his sweaty chest.
    “This.”
    He
pulled her roughly to him and planted his lips against hers. It was surprising
at first, but Kari finally returns the warming kiss. Having her soft tiny body
pressed against his, molding to fit against his hard muscles and smooth tan
skin, and her soft lips so close he could feel more and the low gasp that
escaped. His fingers ran through her black hair that smelled fruity. The last
time he was around her was tortuous for him, he wanted to kiss her so bad but
instead he was so rude to her.
    Kari
pulled back away and looked up at him with confusion.  Hank was confused and
his eyes were glazed with a lust fill hazed. 
    “Leave.”
The word came out his mouth but honestly he didn’t want her to go.
    “Why?”
    “I
will not be able to stop what will happen next,” he warned.
    They
stood there in the cool autumn air that was becoming thick and heated.  The
tense atmosphere became stifling and suffocating as they both took a deep
breaths to steady themselves.
     Hank’s
jaw muscle twitched, as well as another parts of his anatomy. Kari stepped
towards him and ran her small fingers up his biceps. He slowly wrapped his arms
tightly around her waist. Just one touch from Kari had him tingling. Tightening
his arms around her until he felt that closeness they had a few moments ago,
her breasts pressed hard against the rippling muscles of his shirtless chest.
    Kari’s
stomach fluttered. She didn’t know if she was making the best decision or the
worst. A few days ago at dinner, she experienced a connection with Hank that
was unspoken. That kiss they shared earlier had taken control of all her
senses.
    Hank
leaned in; he watched as Kari eyes fluttered closed, her lips parted as she ran
her tongue across her lower lip.
    His
lips wanted to dance with hers once more, but this time he wanted to take it
slow and savor Kari. Hank kissed the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply; she
smelled sweet, fresh, and feminine, with a hint of violet and he couldn’t see
to get enough. Hank groaned loudly as he placed a lingering, wet kiss against
the column of her neck, causing her to shiver in his arms.
    Kari
closed her eyes as she felt his lips