Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(44)

Her body came alive at the first stroke. Heat exploded low in her belly and spiraled out, capturing every part of her. Her br**sts, which had never been that interesting to her, began to feel heavy and ache. She knew her ni**les were tight.

She kissed him back, moving her tongue against his, wanting more of the heat and need. The hunger itself was pleasure. Anticipation was like a nip followed by a kiss. Slightly uncomfortable but ultimately pleasing.

She leaned into him, wanting to feel her br**sts crushed against his hard chest. Only not like this, she thought, running her hands up and down his back. Not with so many layers of clothing between them. She wanted skin on skin. She wanted him touching her and licking and—

The clarity of the image was as startling as her imagining it and she pulled back, unable to believe what was happening. She stood on her back porch confused, breathing hard and with a strong need to rip off her shirt and bra and have Ford put his hands on her br**sts. Not just his hands. His mouth. And not just her br**sts.

She tried to catch her breath. What was happening? This so wasn’t her.

“You okay?” Ford asked with a grin.

She nodded. “Confused.”

“I do that to women. You’re overwhelmed with desire. I should have warned you.”

Which would have been funny if it wasn’t true.

His smile faded. “Seriously, Isabel, are you all right?”

“I’m fine. It’s just kissing you is different.”

“Is it the fangs? Not everyone finds them a turn-on.”

She managed a laugh. He pulled her close again and lightly kissed the tip of her nose.

“Not like with Eric?” he asked.

“Or Billy. Or the unnamed hordes in between.”

“You had hordes?”

“I had one other guy. Maybe two. It wasn’t impressive.”

His dark gaze met hers. “So it’s the passion that has you nervous?”

“I guess. I like what I feel, but it’s so strange.”

His mouth twisted. “Well, damn. Now I can’t take advantage of you.”

“Did you plan to?”

“I was hoping.”

She took a deep breath and then placed her palm on his chest. She looked into his eyes and murmured, “Maybe next time.”

Now it was his turn to suck in a breath. “Just say the word.”

CHAPTER TEN

CONSUELO WATCHED HER CLASS walk into the gym. The thirteen-year-old boys were at that awkward stage. Some were tall and lanky, while others had yet to start their puberty-induced growth spurt. Reese and Carter walked in together, as they always did. Reese had been in town awhile because of his dad, but Carter had shown up only a couple of months ago. His mother had died and Carter had come looking for his father—Gideon, a man who’d never known about his son. After a few missteps, the two had connected. With Felicia as the glue in their relationship, they’d formed a family.

Now Carter crossed the room and stopped in front of her.

“You went on a date.” His voice was accusing.

Consuelo nodded slowly. “I know.” She wasn’t going to apologize. Carter’s declaration of everlasting love was sweet, but hardly real.

“You’re not going to wait for me, are you?” he asked with a sigh. “Even though I’ll be eighteen in five years?”

“I’m too old for you. But there will be other women in your life.”

“It won’t be the same.”

She held in a smile. “I know and I’ll have to live with that.”

Reese came up and rolled his eyes. “You gotta let it go, bro.”

“I will. There are some cute girls at school.”

“See?” Consuelo told him. “Your heart is already healing.”

“But if you ever change your mind,” he began.

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Reese shook his head. “Crazy talk,” he said, then lowered his voice. “My dad said to say thank you for coming to dinner the other night.” He shrugged. “I thought it was fun, too, even if you didn’t tell him to give me a puppy.”

“Not getting in the middle of that discussion.”

“But you could convince him if you tried.”

She thought briefly about the tender kiss that had left her shaken to her very soul. “You overestimate my powers.”

“I don’t think so. My dad thinks you’re hot.”

She raised her eyebrows. “That’s a lead into a very awkward conversation. You sure you want to have it?”

“Probably not. He’s happier around you. I’m glad he’s dating. Do you cook?”

“Some,” she said cautiously. “So you’re only in it for the meals?”

Reese grinned. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”

“I’m starting to see that.” She glanced at the clock. “Go get in line. We’re starting.”

Reese waved and headed for the far side of the gym, where her students were waiting. She walked toward them. For a second she allowed herself to believe it was all possible. That her date with Kent could lead to something special. That he could see past the pretty face to who she really was and like her anyway.

What was that old saying? If wishes were horses...