Cat's Claw

You were pretty amazing,” Matthew said, remembering her lightening-quick reflexes and automatic handling of the snake. “How’d you learn to do that?”

“I’ve been in areas where snakes are part of the living environment,” Cat said, her voice getting lower and huskier. “It was as much luck as skill.” She leaned forward until her mouth was inches from his and slightly above.

“I doubt that.” If he was going to succumb—and he was, he decided—he was going to take as much control as she’d allow him. He reached up with his right hand and gripped the back of her neck. With one tug he’d pulled her down and around so she laid across his lap. She smiled in anticipation, putting her hand behind his head and pulling him down to her.

Okay, they’d share control.

He closed his eyes as their lips met, hot yet gentle. Her scent surrounded him, familiar after so many days in proximity. But her mouth, her skin, felt familiar, too, and he hadn’t touched her. Not like this. Not—

Her mouth opened, her tongue beckoned, and he stopped thinking. He felt the slow rush of blood to his groin pick up speed until it was roaring in his ears. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her closer to his chest, deepening the kiss until he lost track of the time. They could have been there for hours. As far as he was concerned, they could stay there for hours…