Free Bonds Of The Heart by Maryann Morris Page A

as the idea from her mother planted itself in his head, it appealed to him in a way he couldn’t yet understand. His lips curved. He saw that Erika wasn’t too thrilled with the idea either. He had watched her pick at her food before turning to him. His eyes locked with hers. He watched as they rounded when he leaned closer and reached out to touch the ends of her hair. His hand brushed the back of her neck and he felt her tremble.
                  “A picnic.” His voice was low, deep, and sexy.
                  Erika suddenly found it hard to swallow or breathe. Did mom turn off the air conditioning? “You don’t need to appease my mother. There’s no need for a picnic.” She managed to get the words out, even if they were a little husky and breathy.
                  Because Erika didn’t want it, Blake wanted it more. “I’ll be here at noon.”
                  “I don’t—”
                  The kiss was gentle, more than she had expected it to be, more than she wanted it to be. His lips were soft and firm all at once. They moved against hers with familiarity. She couldn’t remember what they were talking about. His short stubble was surprisingly soft against her skin. She wanted to reach out and touch it, but couldn’t get her body to move. When she could, she reached up and cupped his face in her hand. She wanted to get lost in the feeling, wrap her arms around his neck. Desire was quick to flood her body and liquid heat ran to all points south.
                  The smell of vanilla was strong and subtle on her. Her hair was soft in his fingers. When he pressed his lips to hers, they were just as soft. He didn’t know what possessed him to taste her now. He didn’t care. He teased her lips with his tongue and her mouth parted for him with a soft, rewarding moan. She invited him in, so he dipped his tongue between her lips pleasantly tormenting her. Her tongue danced with his, and something stirred inside him. He could feel the blood pumping through him and he knew he’d have to adjust himself before standing up. He silently prayed that wouldn’t be for a while. Fearing his control would slip, he pulled away but kept his eyes locked on Erika’s.
                  “Where is your Jeep now, Erika?” Her mother’s voice chimed as she headed back toward the dining room.
                  Blake swore silently to himself.
                  Blinking, Erika had to try to find her balance just to answer the question. “Main Street,” were the only words she could strangle out. She blinked a few more times as she watched Blake sit casually back in his chair as if that life altering kiss hadn’t just happened. As if her world hadn’t just been turned upside down.
     
     
                  Sweeping into the room, Brianne noticed the change in atmosphere around Blake and her daughter. Blake sat casually in his chair, but his back was noticeably stiff as a board. Her daughter, a blank look on her face as the only giveaway, moved slowly and too carefully as she gathered her dishes and rose from her seat with a knowing smile.
                  “The Jeep will be safe there. I’m afraid I’m going to turn in early. I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow. Erika.” Brianne reached a hand out to her daughter. “There’s coffee if Blake would like some. You’re welcome to stay, no need to leave on my account.” She smiled at Blake, who stood from his seat.
                  “I actually need to get back.” Blake picked up his plates but was stopped by Brianne’s hand.
                  “Leave those.” Turning to her daughter, she pretended to sound sleepy. She would just read in her room the rest of the night and hope her daughter wasn’t too far gone to see what was right in front of her. “I have to drive to Quantico tomorrow morning early. Sleep in. You could use