I want to be back in that moment with Greg. Without thinking, I grab the cinnamon out of the pantry and sprinkle some in the milk. The aroma is calming. The tension in me eases slightly.

I’ve never used cinnamon in my milk before. But this smells so right and keeps the memory of Greg close to me.

 

I turn the burner off, pour myself a glass, and take a sip of the warmed milk. It hits just the spot. Still holding the mug to my mouth, I turn.

Immediately, I freeze. My breath hitches.

Greg stands not five feet from me. It’s as if I summoned him by thinking of his smoky-cinnamon scent.

He stands still as a statue. Shirtless. His six-pack is in full view. It leads to a sexy abdominal v-line half hidden by his pajamas.

He looks good. More than good. How is it even possible
for someone to look so flipping hot?

Neither of us says anything, both taking quick, shallow breaths. My eyes slowly work their way over the rest of his body. I can’t help it. When did the Greg I grew up with turn into this? His arms are buff, his lips are luscious and full, and his eyes pierce mine as I look into them.

Suddenly Greg takes deliberate steps in my direction. Stopping inches from me, he takes the mug from my hand and sets it on the island next to us, never breaking eye contact with me.

His warm breath causes goosebumps to spread out in waves over my body.

He takes my face in one of his hands, then lightly grazes his thumb across my mouth. Electric sparks emanate from the spot he touches. I take in a breath as the current reaches all the way to my toes. I try to remind myself how to breathe. In and out. Slow, deep breaths.

His thumb strokes my lips back and forth, over and over. His breaths come short and quick. I open my mouth slightly. Greg moves his hand to the back of my neck, his mouth mere breaths from mine. Bursts of heat flitter through me.

Feeling like I’m going to combust on the spot, I press my lips to his, closing the space between us. A fire explodes through me. My hands move of their own accord, running up his chiseled stomach, through his gruff chest hair, and ending around his neck.

He lets out a moan, pressing his lips harder against mine. I kiss him back with an urgency I didn’t even know existed in me. I don’t want this to stop. I’ve never been kissed like this before. I need him as close to me as possible.

He senses my need, grabbing my waist with his free hand and pulling me tight against him. His warmth completely melts away all the anger, fear, and sadness I’d felt today.

My body tingles from head to toe, electricity shooting through me as our kiss deepens. I feel alive. Wanted. I adjust my mouth slightly to deepen the kiss. To heck with the consequences, I want all of him.

A noise echoes through the silent house. But I don’t pay attention to it. My senses are flooded with the scent and taste of Greg, and I want it to stay that way.

Then, I recognize the sound of a door closing.