Grave Attraction by Lori Sjoberg Page B

yet. Not until she was certain they were still compatible, and not until she knew that he wanted and accepted her for who and what she truly was. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind on the gentle warmth of his fingers.
    â€œI’m okay,” she said, her voice sounding shaky to her own ears.
    â€œBullshit. What you went through would have broken most people. You’re a tough woman, but everyone has their limits.”
    Slowly, insistently, Adam turned her around and gathered her into his arms. It felt so damn good, to be held, to be consoled, that she melted against the strong wall of his chest and blanked everything else from her mind.
    She didn’t know how long they stayed entwined together, but eventually she heard an announcement over the public address system that the market would be closing in five minutes.
    â€œWe better go,” she said as she stepped back from his embrace. Already, she missed the heat of his body, but she needed some fresh air to clear her head.
    But instead of turning toward the car, Adam cupped her face with his hand, his thumb caressing her cheek. The heat in his gaze mesmerized her, and a tingling sensation snaked down her spine and pooled between her legs. When she licked her lips, his brown eyes darkened and his head tilted downward. It probably took him less than a second, but it seemed like forever before his mouth finally claimed hers.
    Oh, yes. The kiss started gentle but quickly ignited. In an instant, his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her head steady while he plundered her mouth, tasting, taking, stealing her breath and her resolve. Head swimming, she grabbed a handful of his shirt to keep from losing her balance. One of them growled—she assumed it was Adam because she’d never heard herself make a sound so feral.
    He slanted his mouth, taking the kiss deeper, and the mate bond hummed in her blood. Christopher had never kissed her like this. He’d always been tender and sweet. The thought hit her like a brick between the eyes, and every muscle in her body locked tight.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Adam asked as he drew his head back. His heavy-lidded eyes filled with genuine concern, and it made her heart clench in her chest.
    â€œNothing,” she lied with a sharp shake of her head. It wasn’t fair to make those kinds of comparisons. They were two different people from two very different times, and the sooner she got that through her thick skull, the better. Pulling herself together, she dug her car keys from her pocket. “Come on, it’s late, and Cassie’s going to wonder what happened to us.”

Chapter 8
    B y the time Marlena and Adam returned to Cassie’s house, the sun had started to descend over the horizon, painting the sky with pinks and oranges. The sound of cicadas filled the summer air and drowned out all other noise.
    â€œCassie, you home?” Marlena called out as she walked through the front foyer. She paused for a second or two, listening for signs of activity but hearing silence instead. Funny, she didn’t remember Cassie saying anything about having plans. But who knew, in all the excitement she might have simply forgotten. “Guess she must have gone out.”
    Adam followed her inside and closed and locked the door behind them. Despite her repeated assurances, he’d insisted on coming in to make sure the place was safe and secure. He stood so close behind her she felt the heat of his body, which in turn made her think of the heat of his kiss, and it was all she could do not to dive back into his arms and pick up right where they left off. But she didn’t want to rush things, so she tamped down the urge and pulled her mental shit together.
    â€œWhere do you want the supplies?” he asked.
    â€œMight as well put them in the kitchen. You can leave the bag on the counter.” Marlena had learned a long time ago not to mess with Cassie’s supplies. The witch was a