One Hot Desert Night by Kristi Gold Page A

land.”
    “Now?”
    “Perhaps tomorrow would be better.”
    She called on her wit to cover the unsettling excitement. “Would we be traveling by camel?”
    He released a low, sensual laugh that acted on Sunny like a potent aphrodisiac. “All-terrain vehicle. We could journey there during the day and return late into the evening.”
    She would be an absolute fool to agree. “Maybe that wouldn’t be wise.”
    Taking her by the shoulders, he turned her to face him. “It would be very wise. The place I wish to take you is a healing sanctuary.”
    This time she laughed, a cynical one. “Honestly, my heart isn’t that broken.”
    “Perhaps your soul is.”
    This conversation made little sense...unless... “Has Piper said something to you about my reasons for being here?”
    “Yes, but you should not direct your anger at her.”
    Oh, but she would. “Piper had no right to tell you about the...” Even now she had trouble saying it. “What I went through.”
    He tenderly tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “If you feel it necessary to blame someone, then blame me. I sought her out to confirm what I suspected after our time in the garden.”
    She wasn’t that transparent. Or was she? “I don’t know how that’s possible.”
    “I know the signs of trauma,” he said. “You exhibited them several times, though you attempted to hide them from me.”
    She sighed. “Okay, I admit I’ve been jumpy since the incident. But I’ll be fine. I just need a little more time.”
    He raised a brow. “Are you certain?”
    Not exactly. “I’ve been told the memories will eventually pass.”
    “Allow me to assist you,” he said as he cupped her jaw. “Allow me to take you to this safe haven. I expect nothing more than your company.”
    If only she could believe he had honorable intentions. If only she wasn’t waging her own war between accepting his friendship and wanting to feel whole again. To regain her inherent sensuality. Her trust. “I promise I’ll think about it and give you an answer tomorrow.”
    He looked resolute. “You will go.”
    “You are entirely too confident.”
    “I know you better than you believe, Sunny. You once longed for adventure, yet your understandable fear prevents you from pursuing that which you desire. Let this journey be the catalyst to return you to who you once were.”
    Such a lofty goal. “You sincerely believe that will happen in one day?”
    “With faith comes great reward, if you are open to all possibilities.”
    She was open to a lot of things, namely a kiss, yet she couldn’t gauge how she might react. If the way he studied her mouth was any indication, she might find out. Instead, he took a slight step back and thrust his hands in his pockets.
    “We should return to the reception,” he said. “Otherwise, what I am considering could very well offend you.”
    “And that is?”
    “I wish to kiss you, yet I do not wish to contribute to your discomfort due to my own cravings.”
    Hearing the words melted her resolve to stay strong and not succumb to his charms. Knowing he wanted her gave her unexpected courage. “I wouldn’t exactly be uncomfortable, and I certainly wouldn’t take offense. But I might regret it.”
    He smiled halfway. “Do you not trust my skill?”
    She worried he had too much skill. “Oh, I trust you on that front. But how do I know you’re not the kind of man who kisses and tells?”
    His expression went suddenly somber. “Whatever transpires between us will remain between us.”
    Oh, heavens, she was going to do it—invite him to put her in a lip-lock. She had to know how it would feel. How she would feel. “In that case, show me your skill.”
    Keeping his arms to his sides, he leaned forward to press his lips against hers, making a brief pass, then another, as if testing the waters. Then, as if she’d become someone else, Sunny wrapped one hand around his neck, signaling she needed more. He answered that need by delving into her