Sweet Heat Rising (Thoroughbred Men Series) by Ginny Sterling Page A

be jumpy and was forever wondering if Josh was around the corner waiting for her. She still felt traumatized from him.
    Matt said, “What is wrong is that it's not lit back here and you don't need to be back here alone in this small lot.  You do not leave late at night often, do you?” he said, concerned. This maybe small town Kentucky, however, being in a small town did not save you from dangerous situations. They maybe few and far between, but still occur.”
    Sarah waved him off and walked quickly to her car. “Not really, today is an exception.  It's usually only dark when I am arriving to open up. Get in, and I will drop you off around front at your car.” She slid in the seat and locked the doors as he opened the passenger side. She watched as he got in and buckled up. She backed up and drove out of the lot and down the small alley way, turning and circling back towards the front of the building.
    The building was an old ‘row’ building that had several shops, converted offices, and a small grocery inside of what used to be a bank. The buildings were all extremely old and connected, so she had to literally drive down the block to get back around front. Sarah was so very proud her bakery, BatterUp! had been doing so well on the main road in town. If it was going to prosper, it would have been there. She had an ideal spot with plenty of traffic.
    Matt interrupted her train of thought, “What is your cell number?” and he pulled out his phone. He wanted her to be able to call or text, and for him to be able to call her. He missed her this week and was glad to be able to see her tonight.
    Sarah listed the numbers and grinned as her phone rang. “Hmm, wonder who that is?” she said mockingly. She was secretly thrilled he was so interested in her, especially after the way things got so heated but then stopped suddenly, in the kitchen not long ago. That really did a number on her confidence.
    Matt smiled sideways at her across the bench seats, “I don't know! Maybe it's a guy who wants to see you again,” he teased and then in all seriousness “I’m serious. Call or text me anytime. I would like to see you again, if you have free time.” He saw Sarah nod, as she pulled up in front of her shop behind his parked car. He leaned over, lightly kissed her and opened the door. “Text me when you get home and get inside, okay? Goodnight, princess,” and slid out of the car, waved to her and jumped in his car, starting it up.
    Sarah watched as Matt pulled out away from the curb, she followed along and turned at the intersection to head home. She drove a little ways, pulled in front of the condo and turned off the car. She gathered her things, headed inside and locked the door behind her. She leaned against the door, shut her eyes and sighed.
    He was so very nice but she was a bit confused as to why he wanted to stop kissing her. She really enjoyed it and had never felt like that before. She had not even felt that way with Josh. She texted him: “ I am home, thank you for a lovely evening. ”
    Matt’s phone beeped and he read her text. “ I am glad, see you soon ?” he replied. He was glad they had exchanged numbers. He planned on making sure they communicated daily. He liked making her blush and laugh. He had truly missed her smile and talking with her this last week.
    “ Yes ,” Sarah replied and quickly got undressed and headed to bed.  It would be time to open the shop in no time flat and she had to be ready to work. Sarah’s phone beeped again. Sarah opened the screen and smiled. Matt had texted “ goodnight princess ” to her phone. She adored the endearment and it made her feel special.
    Sarah texted back “ Goodnight, sweet dreams ” she hesitated because she didn’t want to sound corny and then sent it anyway. She laid her head down and thought of his smiling face, his warm hands on her and his lips touching hers... and drifted off to