Page 32 of Tempting Fire

“No it’s not. It’s really bad. I haven’t told you. I can’t tell you.” He saw hell in her eyes. It wasn’t what she had gone through in that cabin, in was the day-to-day despair she had been living with every day since she had left the forest.

“In the last six days, little things have helped, haven’t they? Pecan log rolls? Slayer? Daffodils? Cheese?”

Her eyes shifted as she considered what he said. Finally she nodded. “A little.”

“Then there’s hope. I’ve made an appointment with Luke’s therapist tomorrow. He’ll see you at three o’clock.”

She stiffened in his arms. He stroked the hair back from her forehead, caressing the scar with his thumb.

“If this was me. If I told you it was really bad, and there were things I couldn’t tell you, wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to get my ass into a professional? Tell me true.”

“Yes,” she breathed out. “Yes I would.”

“Please give me this. Please let me help you.”

She clutched at his shirt, her nails digging into the skin below.

“Okay.”

He brushed his nose against hers. “You won’t regret this.”

“I hope not.”

***

God it felt good in his arms, she’d almost forgotten what good had felt like. His eyes darkened, and she felt his breath mingle with hers.

“Chloe?” He didn’t sound quite as sure of himself. Now what?

“Yes?”

“I have to do this.”

What was he talking about? His mouth was a hairsbreadth away from hers, and she could only hope.

No, she couldn’t be hoping.

But yes, she was.

Then she launched upwards.

And their lips met.

He groaned and pulled her close. Oh God, he tasted better than cheese. His lips were firm and soft, and he sipped and coaxed, and did everything she needed to send her into a maelstrom of want and desire.

His lips parted hers, his tongue seeking entry which she gladly granted, wanting to get so much closer to this man who had been her closest friend and confidant. But this was no friendly kiss, this was a dark lover who swept her up into the clouds.

Her nails dug into the steel of his biceps, glorying in his strength.

This was hope.

As soon as she thought those words, doubt permeated her brain, and she arched away from Zarek.

“What Baby?”

“You can’t really want me. Not like I am now.”

He looked deep into her eyes. “You’re you.”