Undone by R. E. Hunter

the hem of her shirt. Luke’s fingers grazed her cheek, and she looked up into his intense blue eyes. With no more small talk to distract them, the desire between them was palpable.
    Before she could react to her own impulses, Luke’s hand wrapped around Embry’s nape, pulling her in for a searing kiss. He started gentle, his tongue making slow, lazy passes through her mouth. She felt her need grow as the passion between them took over. She came up on her knees, her hands traveling up his chest and gripping his biceps. He paused to look at her. She was sure the desire in his eyes matched her own. His arms came around her as his mouth connected with hers.
    “Mmm,” he hummed against her lips. “You taste so good.”
    Luke’s raspy words were Embry’s undoing. She tugged him closer, deepening the kiss.
    He pulled back, tugging gently on her bottom lip before letting it go. “But as good as you taste”—he said, resting his forehead on Embry’s—”we have to slow down.”
    It had been over a year since Embry had been with anyone, and as much as she knew she should take it slow, she couldn’t help herself when it came to Luke. She felt drunk with need and embarrassed by how quickly she had gotten carried away.
    “Sorry, I … um …” Embry hopped off the couch and turned toward the kitchen.
    “Hey.” Luke’s strong arms circled her from behind. “Don’t be sorry. I liked it.” He turned her in his arms so she was looking up into his beautiful blue irises. “I more than liked it.” He gave her a sweet kiss on the nose. “I just … I like you. I want to get to know you. I want to do this right.”
    Embry saw the sincerity in his eyes and relaxed in his arms. “Okay,” she said, chewing on her lip. “I like you, too.”
    “Good.” He tugged her lip out of her mouth and nudged her toward the kitchen. “Because I don’t go out of my way to buy Chubby Hubby for just anyone.”
    “You didn’t!” Embry slapped Luke’s chest playfully.
    “I did.” Luke moved toward the freezer and pulled out Embry’s favorite ice cream. “Go grab some spoons, beautiful. Let’s have some dessert.”
    “Bowls?” Embry asked as she pulled two spoons from the drawer.
    “Nah, live dangerously. Straight out of the carton,” Luke said, wiggling his eyebrows.
    Embry shook her head and laughed. She plopped on the couch, cozied up next to him, and dug her spoon into the ice cream. After taking a bite, she pointed her spoon at Luke and narrowed her eyes. “You, Mr. Brody, are good. How did you sneak this by me?”
    “I have my ways,” Luke said with a sly smile.
    They ate their ice cream and finished off the wine, laughing and joking.
    Luke checked his watch and sighed. “I should probably head out, let you get some more studying done.”
    “Okay. I should review my notes for tomorrow’s classes.”
    Luke stood and pulled Embry into his arms, hugging her tight. “Thank you for tonight, beautiful.”
    She pulled back to give him a surprised look. “I should be the one thanking you. This was an amazing first date.”
    “I’m glad you thought so.”
    “You set the bar pretty high for yourself though,” she joked. “I’ll expect nothing less than a private chef next time.”
    “As long as there is a next time, you can have whatever you want,” Luke said.
    Embry loved how sweet he was even when she was giving him a hard time. “I’d like that.” She pushed up on her toes and touched her lips to his. They were startled out of their moment by Embry’s phone blasting Morgan’s ringtone. “Sorry, let me just grab that quick. Morgan’s probably checking to make sure I’m still alive. I was supposed to give her on-the-minute updates.” Embry answered her phone saying, “You have either the most amazing or the most horrible timing ever.”
    “Did I interrupt again?” Morgan laughed.
    “Yes. Again.”
    “Sorry, babe. So he’s still there, huh? Date must be going well.”
    “Yes, Luke is still here.