Finding The Way Back To Love (Lakeside Porches 3) by Katie O'Boyle Page B

voice grew more hesitant as he finished the sentence.
    “You don’t sound sure about that.”
    “I was just thinking it’s hard enough with my schedule for us to spend time together. Tonight is one example, having to cut it short for my shift. Having Bree live with me would make it even harder.”
    Gwen mused. “That’s true, especially if Haley stays with me for a while.” She smiled over at him. “It sounds like we’ve both made a decision to see each other again.”
    “See each other a lot, I hope?”
    Gwen nodded.
    With his hand on her waist, he drew her closer to his side and planted a kiss on her neck that sent delicious shivers to her toes.
    “So, you think Haley will stay with you?” he asked.
    “I’ll let you know. I still haven’t got out of her why she has sought me out, but I think she needs me for a while.”
    “You’re not thinking she wants to keep the baby and live with you?”
    Gwen’s mouth opened, and no words came out.
    “I can tell that was a shocker.” He captured her hand and interlaced his fingers with hers.
    “That’s a possibility I hadn’t considered.” Gwen let out her breath in a whoosh . “And, no, I wouldn’t entertain that.”
    “Why?”
    “Honestly, I’m not sure, but I need to have an answer ready if she brings it up.”
    “Want to talk about it?”
    The moon rolled out a shimmering ribbon of gold across Chestnut Lake. Gwen turned to him. “I’d rather kiss you under the full moon, Officer Shaughnessy.” She slid her hands along the shoulders of his jacket.
    “Your dress sparkles like silver.” He ran his hands down her sides, over her hips and onto her backside.
    She brought her lips close to his.
    His hungry kiss made her breasts swell and her nipples pop.
    When he let her up for air, she whispered, “Pretty hot first kiss.”
    “Want more?”
    She traced his lower lip with one finger. “I do.”
    The next kiss was deeper, more demanding. Gwen pressed against him, and he wrapped her tight in his arms. Tingles radiated from her core.
    “If we weren’t so visible here, I’d undress you and kiss every inch of you.”
    Gwen glanced at the moon, with a throaty chuckle. “We’d want privacy for that. And a warm bed.”
    “You’re not cold?”
    “A little. It’s what I get for not watching the weather report.”
    “Then it’s lucky I’m still hot from dancing. Let’s find a private corner, and I’ll share some of my heat with the most beautiful lady at the ball.” Peter circled her shoulders with his arm and held her close as they entered the garden.
    After a few steps, he pointed to a shadowy nook on the upper terrace. The fragrance of late-summer flowers enveloped them as they passed—heady lilies, sweet syringa, and calming lavender. Gwen inhaled the aromas and exhaled a sigh.
    “Happy?”
    “Supremely.”
    Peter touched the planes of her face like a sculptor enchanted with his own creation. He planted little kisses along one cheekbone, down to the tip of her chin and up to the other cheek as she laughed with pleasure.
    His mouth was on hers, his tongue teasing her lips.
    Raking her fingers through the thick waves of his dark hair, she lost herself in the kiss.
    “Beautiful,” he whispered as he caressed her hips.
    She pressed against his erection and he held her there, tight, and moved just enough to make her exhale with desire.
    “I like you breathless.” His voice was husky in her ear.
    “I do, too,” she confessed. Waves of pleasure coursed through her as he nuzzled her neck and nibbled her ear.
    “You’re killing me, Peter,” she whispered.
    He studied her face, his eyes dark with desire. A satisfied smile stole across his face.
    “We should stop,” she whispered.
    He stepped back. “I’m going to dream about this my whole shift.”

Chapter 5
    Gwen dumped the contents of her tiny silver evening bag onto the counter and sorted through it. The cocktail napkin she’d used to blot her lipstick reminded her she’d meant to