After Cedar left,I changed into my pajamas and fluffy socks, snuggled under the covers of the large bed, and turned on a cooking show while trying to focus on work.
But it was no use. An hour later, the blinking cursor mocked me, and I was no closer to finishing than when I started.
My stomach grumbled. Maybe some food would help.
It was after ten o’clock and I figured Cedar would be upstairs with his kids as I really didn’t want an awkward kitchen meet up.
I tiptoed down the hall and slipped into the kitchen, the only light from above the stove in a dim overhead light.
On one counter, the gingerbread houses stood tall, all three of them unique in shape and size. I didn’t dare go near them for fear of somehow destroying one. Scoring the cabinets, I discovered lots of kid snacks such as fruit strips, fruit cups, granola bars, crackers, and more.
I grabbed a few of each, stashing them in the pockets of my pajamas, and opening the fridge in search of a drink. I grabbed a can ofDiet Cokeand heard the unmistakable sound of someone clearing their throat.
Dammit.
And when I turned around, there stood Cedar with a shit eating grin on his face.
“Feeling hungry?”
My face burned. “Just a little. Sorry. I’ll put some back.”
Cedar came up beside me and placed a hand on my arm. “No, please. Help yourself. My children have plenty.”
“I…I haven’t had snacks like these in forever.” I said, sheepishly.
Cedar laughed, a deep rumbly one that made my heart soar. “You’re too fucking cute.”
I looked away, and when I looked back at him, his eyes blazed with heat.
Then, out of nowhere, he grabbed me by the waist and kissed me.
CHAPTER THREE
Cedar
I kissed her soft lips,moving my mouth against hers as we explored one another, sipping and savoring on each other like a fine wine. I couldn’t get enough and pushed my tongue inside, needing more.
Our tongues swirled around and around and my hands squeezed the sides of her waist. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and carry her up to bed. Claim her as mine in the best way a man can claim a woman. In his bed.
But a bigger part of me wanted to slow down.
And for some reason, that part yelled a lot louder tonight.
I broke the kiss, both of us panting, as she moved closer once more. I held up a hand and shook my head but didn’t break eye contact. “If I don’t stop kissing you right now, then I can’t be responsible for my actions.” I heaved, my chest rapidly rising and falling.
“What if I don’t want you to be responsible?” Aurora sucked her bottom lip between her two front teeth and popped it backout. She was flirting and coming out of her shell, and I fucking loved it.
“I don’t want to be, believe me. But something tells me you do. Even if you say you don’t.”
Aurora scowled.Bingo.
Besides, there was no rush. She was mine forever, and I had plenty of time to prove it to her. Even if she didn’t know it yet.
“Enjoy your snacks and have sweet dreams. Goodnight, Aurora.” I said before retreating from the kitchen and back to the living room. I didn’t waste a single second, afraid if I stayed any longer, I’d do something I’d regret later. Like carry her to my bed.Now.
When I heard her door click shut, I collapsed onto the couch and breathed a sigh of relief.
She was a walking, talking temptation.
