Free Write to Me by Nona Raines

winced as she touched a sore spot.
    “Oh!” She examined the red mark where his thumb met the palm of his hand. “What happened?”
    The corner of his mouth hitched up. “Burned myself taking the pan out of the water bath. Stupid of me.”
    “Poor thing.” She kissed the burn mark. “I hope you don’t get a blister.”
    “It’s fine. I ran it under cold water, like you’re supposed to…” His words trailed off as though he’d forgotten what he was saying.
    Gloria couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe as he closed in for a kiss. When he kissed her, all thoughts flew from her mind. Only their lips touched at first, their breaths mingling. It wasn’t enough. He drew her close, gently, as though afraid to break their fragile connection. As soon as her breasts nestled against his hard chest, he grew bolder, teasing her lips with his tongue. She gladly opened to him, offering the tastes of vanilla and caramel.
    But Gloria didn’t stand passively and receive his kiss. She wanted him and would damn well let him know. Gripping his shoulders as their tongues caressed and played, she was an equal partner in their embrace, giving as good as she got.
    When the kiss ended, she spooned up another bite of custard and fed it to Bryan. “Your turn.”
    He smiled as he swallowed the mouthful. “Delicious, if I say so myself.”
    “It would be better with coffee.”
    “Yes,” he agreed. They both ignored the coffeemaker on the counter as their gazes locked. “There’s coffee at my place.”
    That was all she wanted to hear. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Seven
    Gloria and Bryan walked the few blocks to his place. How lovely to stroll down the sidewalk hand in hand. She’d had lovers over the years, but she couldn’t recall indulging in this simple pleasure with any of them. How long since she’d held a man’s hand, publicly acknowledging their relationship? Not since Emilio died.
    He unlocked his door and pulled her in. “I lied before,” he told her just inside the doorway as she was about to close in for a kiss.
    Her feet dragged to a stop. “Lied…”
    “I don’t have coffee. Well, I do, but it’s instant.” He faked a clownish sad-puppy look of remorse.
    Her eyes narrowed. “I hate instant coffee.” She waited just long enough to torture him. “It doesn’t matter. I forgot to bring the flan.”
    He let out a puff of laughter. “Baby.” He grabbed her and swept her close. When their bodies collided, she felt enveloped in a sheet of flame.
    Their kisses were passionate and fierce as they stumbled into his living room. In one last burst of sanity, Gloria broke free. “Bryan. Are you sure? Are you really sure?” She had to know that she wasn’t a temporary stand-in for another woman.
    His forehead creased, then understanding lit his eyes. He strode to a small desk in a corner of the room and retrieved a piece of paper, holding it open to show her. The letter he’d written to Courtney, the one she’d found in the book of sonnets.
    “This is the past.” He crumpled the note and let it fall into the wastebasket. “It’s over. I want to move on.”
    She gazed at the wastebasket, then looked back up at him.
    He extended his hand. “I want to move on with you.”
    She took a step, then another. Warmth surged through her as she grasped his large hand and his fingers curled around hers.
    ****
    With my body I thee worship.
    Odd that this phrase, part of a religious wedding vow, would occur to Bryan now. His desire for Gloria had nothing to do with theology, everything to do with lust. One of the seven deadly sins.
    Yet it felt reverent, too. He wanted to worship her body, take his time, and show her the appreciation and respect she deserved. As he led her into the bedroom, a beatific smile curved her lips, the smile of a sensuous, confident woman. A warm glow lit her eyes, signaling her complete trust. Her expression held no hesitation, no doubt.
    He was the one who hesitated. He faltered in the bedroom