His Love Lesson by Nicki Night

the sun departed, leaving them to the light of the moon through the picture window and the embers glowing in the fireplace.
    The coolness of the villa had forced them to draw closer to the fire and each other. Chey’s back settled against Hunter’s chest as they both watched the embers dance in the shadows.
    â€œIs this how you imagined your liberating solo vacation would turn out?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œMe neither.” Hunter sniffed out a chuckle. “This is actually better than I thought it would be.”
    Chey craned her neck, tossing Hunter a baffled look.
    â€œI never thought I’d end up with a beautiful woman in my arms as we sat in front of a fireplace with a view of mountains beckoning at my side.”
    Chey’s cheeks burned. She turned back toward the fire and let her head settle in the center of Hunter’s chest. No words were necessary. Hunter was right. Despite all that had gone wrong, she could have never called this and was grateful that she didn’t have to endure this alone. What would she have done if Hunter had made his flight home on the first day?
    â€œYou smell amazing.” Hunter’s voice had reduced to a husky whisper.
    â€œThank you.” Chey smiled but didn’t turn around. “It’s one of my creations.” If Hunter kept it up, they would no longer need the fireplace for heat.
    â€œYou made that?”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œThat’s some talent.” She felt Hunter nod.
    â€œYou don’t smell so bad yourself,” Chey teased.
    â€œThanks!” Silence. Then laughter.
    As the laughter subsided, Chey noticed how Hunter instinctively rubbed her arm. His touch alone was enough to keep her warm.
    Eventually the quiet of the night expanded and settled over them like a soft blanket. They nestled into the inviting softness, connecting without words. Chey enjoyed the moment in the midst of all the chaos but longed for more. She wanted Hunter to touch her in other places. She wanted to feel him. The longer she sat there in his arms, the more desire stirred inside her.
    Chey’s conscious fought over her desire and the reality of her knowing Hunter for only a short while. Never before had she been in such a compromising battle with her will. She had spent most of her dating years with Todd and had had only a few suitors before that. She’d never felt as if she’d belonged in any of their arms, yet being cradled by Hunter seemed so right. One-night stands weren’t even in her vocabulary, but something in her trampled all reason and urged her to throw caution to the treacherous winds and indulge herself completely in this gorgeous man.
    Heck! What did she have to lose? All she needed to do was protect herself and she was sure he’d come prepared with the necessary paraphernalia. Once he got on that flight, she’d never see him again anyway. No awkward run-ins. No phone calls necessary. This was her time to explore life in a way that she’d never done before. She decided right then, if he’d have her, she’d give her all to him tonight.
    Chey twisted her head, looking up at Hunter, watching the flames of the fire twinkle in his brown eyes. He looked down at her. They stayed that way for a while, locked in each other’s gazes, until Hunter broke the stare, leaned in and kissed her on her lips. When his lips touched hers, she felt light, as if she were floating. The dam holding back the remnants of her cautious nature broke. Chey turned her body, wrapping her arms around his neck, and Hunter explored the deepest crevices of her with his tongue, moaning. They kissed until they ran out of breath, broke free and kissed again and yet again.
    Hands roamed sacred places. Blinding desire raised hairs on arms, creating sensually rocky terrain. Clothing was carefully discarded until there was skin against skin. Hunter pulled her into him until she couldn’t be pulled in any further. Warm