Brenda Williamson

Excerpt

“Hi,” Temperance’s charming voice drew his gaze to the kitchen doorway.

Her radiant smile, the twinkle in her eyes, and the special magnetism of her presence enticed him to walk toward her. “Hi.” He awkwardly shook the hand she held out to him.

Lisa was right. Temperance didn’t fit the mold of the girls he used to date. With her chestnut hair pulled back, and the wire-rimmed glasses sitting on the end of her nose, she fit the stereotypical perception of a teacher. Yet, there was a beauty in that image. Something naughty as well as nice that went beyond the outward appearance. High cheekbones, deep blue eyes, and a gorgeous smile, she attracted him in a way no other woman ever had.

“I’m ready to go.” Lisa called from the foyer.

“Okay,” Eric answered. “Well, we’ll see you two later.”

Max nodded, unable to take his gaze off Temperance.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Eric laughed.

Max looked back and saw his friend disappear from the holly-garnished doorframe.

“Shall we sit down?” Temperance asked, her fingers remained locked in his grip.

“Sure.”

She tugged him toward the sofa that faced the fireplace. He followed because he wanted to, not by her insistence. Drawn to her like a bear to honey, he wanted to be close enough to breathe in the scent of her.

“Do you get the feeling we were set-up?” She stopped near the back of the sofa.

Her slender fingers with polished red nails twisted and wove together with his.

“Eric made it more than obvious.” He lifted his hand to her face and ran the back of his knuckle along her smooth jaw. “The attraction between us is apparently noticeable.”

Temperance glanced over her shoulder at the fireplace as he stroked her neck. The hint of reserve, maybe a sliver of shyness, something suggested she felt the same apprehension he had.

“I want to kiss you.” He stated it outright.

Flames danced on the charred logs burning in the fireplace. Sparks flew up the chimney. In the glow, he studied the outline of her face. Her nose, mouth, and chin made an alluring shape. It captivated him with something much deeper than lust. However, he’d not deny sex was on his mind. He didn’t want distracted from her radiant expression or her kissable lips, but when she looked up, so did he.

“Do you suppose it has anything to do with the Mistletoe?” She hummed a pleased sound.

“You knew it was there.” Why else had she led him to that spot in the room, instead of going around the sofa to sit as she had suggested.

Temperance’s smile accompanied her puckered lips. She plucked her glasses off and rose on her toes. “Maybe I did, but did we really need it?” Her warm lips brushed his jaw with a gentle kiss.

“I know I don’t need any props.” He lowered his head and captured her sensuous mouth.

Reviews

"A sweet romance, full of surprises - especially what can be done with a peppermint candy cane!"

Angelika Devlyn, Alternate-Read