ChangingPaths by Marilu Mann Page B

laugh.
    “Sorry. I just realized that I didn’t get everything done. I
need to go back into town to call Gareth about the furnace.” She stopped the
car. “Want to come with me?”
    She prayed Rain would say yes, but in the way of teens she
did exactly the opposite. Ensuring that Rain was safe in the cabin with
something to eat, she headed back into town. The cell service was just as
spotty as the furnace heat, so she’d head closer to town for a stronger signal.
    She didn’t bother telling her daughter to be wary of
strangers. She had raised a street-smart child who would react poorly if she
went the overprotective route. Plus she would know something was up. She wasn’t
ready to have that conversation.
    The trip into town was cut short when Gareth emerged from
the woods ten minutes into her drive. She pulled over to flag him down. The
sight of him made her belly clench. There was something about him that
resonated in her. She didn’t know if it was his blond hair or the wide
shoulders or the kindness on his face. She saw him and wanted him. God help her
but she wanted him.
    “Hey, Gareth. I was just going into town to call you. I
think the furnace needs checking. It was freezing this morning even though I
had it set on seventy last night.” She smiled at him.
    He leaned into her window, setting her pulse racing. All she
could think of was that kiss they’d shared at Micah’s. She resisted the impulse
to press her mouth to his again but imagined what those lips would feel like.
He smiled at her.
    “Tell you what. Give me a lift back to my place. I’ll grab
my toolbox and follow you home.”
    She couldn’t help herself. “I think I’d like that. Can I
keep you if you do?”
     
    Gareth very nearly stuttered. This gorgeous woman had just
flirted with him and his first reaction wasn’t to flee the scene. Instead he
tossed her a grin as he slid into the car. “I guess I’ll have to see what you
have in the pantry. Your Aunt Willow says you’re a great cook.”
    He watched the pulse beat in her throat then followed that
down her arm to where her fingers stroked the wheel. She turned to look at him.
He wanted her to tell him to kiss her…again. In the way of all Pack shifters he
would wait for the female to show her interest before acting on it. He still
felt bad about taking advantage of her need for comfort. What kind of a jerk
turned that into a passionate embrace?
    Not that he wanted to wait. No, he wanted much more. He
wanted to take her in his arms to kiss her until neither of them could breathe.
He wanted desperately to cup her breasts. His cock throbbed in a primal yes to his thoughts. He clamped down on the those and his libido. This was not the
time for that.
    Then he caught her scent. Her feminine musk rising up as he
looked at her. The smell was his undoing. The heat of it mixed with her
honeysuckle scent made him lose control. He did what he had told himself he
couldn’t. He leaned over. When he realized she was leaning toward him he slid
his hands to her shoulders to pull her into him. Her mouth opened under his.
    A moan from her as his tongue touched the softness of hers
nearly undid him. He palmed her breasts then slid both hands underneath the
sweater. The silky feel of her skin against his rougher hands made him murmur
her name. Pressing his lips to her neck, he pushed the fabric up and out of the
way. His lips captured her nipple through the thin material of her bra, making
her bow up into him. He laved first one nipple then the other, alternating with
his thumb and forefinger. Gently twisting one while he sucked the other had her
fists in his hair.
    He slid his free hand down to her waistband but stopped when
he felt her hand close over his. When she unbuttoned her own pants he smiled
against her breast. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Then her hands
moved to his jeans right over his stiff cock. It was at that point he stopped
thinking.
    When her hand stroked warm and firm on him