Emerald Fire by Valerie Twombly

stopped briefly. Brock had his back to her, and she couldn’t stop her gaze from roaming down his backside.
    She bit her bottom lip.
    The man’s ass could be considered a lethal weapon in many states. It was enough to bring any woman to her knees, including her. Sarah couldn’t help the naughty thoughts roaming through her mind. Like skipping dinner and having him right here in the kitchen. Then the living room, in her bed and later in the shower. She smiled at her wickedness as she walked to the table and placed the flowers in the center.
    “So how did it go today?” She stepped in beside him and placed a kiss on his cheek as if it was something she’d been doing for years.
    He handed her a glass of wine. “I made some real progress. The inside is now empty and the stuff hauled off to the thrift store. Tomorrow, I have some help coming, and we plan to paint then replace all the appliances to updated ones.” He took a sip. “It will take a few days, but I hope by the end of the week, it will be ready to hand over to the local rescue.”
    She looped her arm through his and led him to the couch. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help you.” She searched his eyes, looking for signs of distress. “You did okay by yourself?”
    He pulled her into his lap and wrapped his free arm around her waist. “Don’t worry about it. I needed to do this alone.” He took a sip from his glass. “It was good therapy.” He squeezed her hip. “Enough about me. How did your showing go today? Did you sell all your pictures?”
    Sarah’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t planned to tell Brock about Elias, but now, it seemed like a lie not to do so, and she had too much respect for him. “I sold all but a couple. I also made a connection with a local gal who’s interested in putting some of my work in her store.”
    He set his glass on the side table and wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her into him. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.”
    The need to lock her lips to his overwhelmed her. She set her glass down, leaned in and ran her tongue along the seam of his mouth which opened, allowing her entry. She wasted no time pushing inside, tasting every inch of him. The deep, woody flavor of the Merlot mingled with his own spiciness and sent liquid fire burning through her veins.
    Every inch of her body begged to be caressed by this man. She broke the kiss, finding herself out of breath. Sarah assessed the situation and compared Brock’s kiss to the other demon. Elias had left her feeling as if she had no control. Had she spent another minute with him, she was sure they would have ripped off each other clothes and fucked right there on the floor.
    Brock had sated her initial urges last night, and now, she found his kiss left her wanting to explore. The need to become intimately acquainted with every inch of his body was bone deep, and the thought of pleasing him warmed her. She asked herself the most important question a potential mate could ask. Could I love this man? Without a doubt, she would give her heart, body and soul to him. Elias? Well, she just wasn’t so sure if a relationship could survive past the initial burn.
    Brock tipped his head to the side. “What’s troubling you?”
    She pulled her bottom lip through her teeth. Already, he was in tune with her emotions. It was time to confess. “Brock, why have you not mentioned anything about us being mates? You’re older than me so I know you’ve sensed it.” The little spark that simmers until it becomes an inferno. The part of our soul that says we belong together. She felt it. Was it possible he didn’t? She’d never heard of that happening and, now, found herself in a panic thinking she’d just made a fool of herself.
    His shoulders dropped, but his expression gave nothing away. “Yes, I sensed it last night but wasn’t ready to bring it up.” He reached up and caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry, darlin’, but I’m just not ready for a mate