Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett Page A

movements—the automatic lights switched on. Her heart was still pounding and every nerve ending was taut.
He
was making her feel this way, not just the wild motorcycle ride.
    “Hey,” he said, knocking the stand into place and leaping off the bike.
    She turned to face him, knowing her cheeks were flushed. “Thank you for seeing me home and for helping me on the Green. I’ll call Buster to come get me in the morning,” she said numbly, before turning away again.
    Seb caught up with her in a matter of seconds. “Why didn’t you tell me or anyone else about Frank Doherty? Or the fact that someone’s been after your cake recipe?”
    “I didn’t think about it. I didn’t think anyone would care.”
    “Of course I care.” He sounded indignant.
    She rubbed her eyes with her fingertips. “Look, it’s been a long day. I’ve been physically attacked, I’m exhausted, and I just want to go inside.”
    “Hey,” Seb said soothingly. “Hey. You must have been terrified.” He stepped toward her and unzipped his jacket. Slowly, gently, he enveloped her in his long, strong arms. Without demanding anything more, he simply held her. She sank gratefully into his warmth and laid her cheek on his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart thrummed reassuringly.
    Safe and warm, pressed against his body, Lexie didn’t know what to make of Sebastian. How could she reconcile his earlier intensity with his current gentleness? She had to admit that he was making her feel better.
    After a period of time had passed, Lexie began to wonder how long Sebastian had been holding her. Was it five minutes? Ten? She had no idea what he was thinking. She lifted her head from his chest and looked him in the eyes. His expression was inscrutable. Then, without speaking, he bent his head and kissed her.
    Lexie stiffened for a moment before she realized that his kiss was intended to comfort her. Unhurriedly, he wended his hands up her back, entwining them in her wind-blown hair. Hislips pressed gently against hers. There was no rush to his movements—it felt like he would stand there all night to please her.
    It was a startling contrast from their kiss outside the restaurant. That kiss had been selfish and demanding, and it had made her feel like she was about to burst into flame. This kiss warmed her with a slow-building heat. It was generous, tender, and completely captivating.
    Lexie fought the rising tide of pleasure. She shouldn’t be doing this. She’d worked too hard to keep her emotions and her fevered longings in check. Worked too hard to have it all come undone with the simple pressure of his lips on hers. But he felt so good—and it had been so long—that she had no choice but to allow her body to say yes. At last, she let go, relaxing into his warmth and kissing him back.
    Seb emitted a quiet groan. Slowly, he slid his tongue between her willing lips. She opened them wider to accept his entry, then tentatively stroked her own tongue against his. It felt heavenly, and she moaned low and soft in her throat.
    Lexie’s eyes slipped closed and she let the feeling of pleasure wash over her. It slid down her body like warm, melted chocolate. Deep, bittersweet chocolate on her tongue, on her lips. It made her forget the cold, the threats, everything except for him. She followed his lead, exploring the depths of his mouth the way he was exploring hers.
    For once, he moved like a man without an agenda. Without all of his arrogance, without his ego, he was just a man. A man who knew how to make her feel more pleasure than anyone ever had before.
    Long moments passed, and still he made no move to deepen their contact—he just kept kissing her, slowly devouring her lips with his own. His tongue warmed her, soothed her.
    She felt the bulge of his erection press against her stomach. Far from being nervous, she warmed to the idea. It would be good. With this man, it would be right.
    Time glided by as if Lexie were in a dream. Finally, through the fog