Table for Two by Dara Girard Read Free Book Online Page B

recognizing her own voice. "Can it get any better?"
    He lifted her chin and gently touched her lips with his thumb. "Do you want it to?"
    She hesitated but he found answer enough in her eyes and captured her mouth with his own.
    He did not expect the impact of her lips to send a shot of desire that tightened his groin in painful pleasure. He brought her body close to his, wanting her to know how much he wanted her.
    Cassie was at first startled by his desire, but realized it mirrored her own. The kiss was overwhelming and reassuring, terrifying and exciting. It sent her mind reeling with questions she didn't want to answer. Her only impulse was to enjoy the moment, the feel of his arms around her waist, his commanding mouth moving over hers and devouring her with gentle mastery, demanding a response that she willingly gave with surprising boldness. She quickly darted her tongue into his mouth, eliciting a groan of deep masculine pleasure that had her reveling in her own prowess—the sorcerer was at her mercy. Soon their tongues were twirling around each other and they clung to each other trying to stay afloat in the stormy wave of desire that threatened to encompass them.
    A deep grumble of thunder diverted their attention with angry fervor and opened the sky to release a torrent of rain. They broke apart and stared at each other in awe—now both soaking wet, the umbrella lying next to them unnoticed. The feel of rain awakened Cassie from her dream and the reality of what had occurred.
    Before she could speak, Drake flashed his devastating grin and placed a finger over her lips.
    "I was right," he said.
    "About what?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
    "You taste just like sweetened raspberries."
    Cassie wrapped her arms around herself. "Drake, this was a mistake—"
    He took her arms, draped them on his shoulders, and slid his hands around her waist. "No," he said deeply, his mouth hovering above hers. "It wasn't. Don't let fear deny you this moment." He kissed her again. This time slowly as if enjoying a fine dessert. "Hmm, that's better," he said, feeling her respond to him.
    She smiled tremulously. He was right. Tonight fear would not take this fantasy away. Not when so many nights had been filled with a bitter emptiness. She would treasure tonight like a precious stone in her memory. "Do I really taste like raspberries?"
    "Yes. What do I taste like?"
    Cassie brushed her mouth against his, then licked her lips. "Hot chocolate."
    "Hmm." He brought warm lips to her neck. "Figures."
    "Drake," she protested, trying to pull away from him, "we can't do this here; besides, it's raining."
    "I thought you liked the rain," he muttered against her neck.
    "I do when I'm under an umbrella."
    He scooped up his umbrella and placed it over her head. It was useless now that they were both wet, but still a kind gesture. He pulled her close again, the heat from him seeping through his wet shirt. "Seems I got carried away."
    "Do you do that often?"
    He considered the question. "No." He lowered his head to kiss her again, but she moved away.
    "We're not starting that again," she said.
    He sighed dramatically. "Yes, milady." He rubbed his forehead, desperate to find a diverting topic. "Class reunion," he mumbled.
    "What?"
    "That's the reason I'm taking your course. I have a class reunion in two months."
    She stopped and stared at him. "But you'll be fine! You'll have nothing to worry about."
    He shook his head and nudged her to walk again.
    She continued to look at him in disbelief. Twice Drake had to save her from colliding into a person and a pole. "Don't tell me you were the ugly duckling."
    "No, I was too invisible to be considered ugly."
    "Well, your classmates are in for a shock." She undid her scarf and retied it around her waist. It had become a soggy piece of cloth around her neck. "So what was her name?"
    "Who?"
    "The cheerleader you had loved from afar, but who ignored you and broke your young heart."
    "Brenda Timmons. She didn't