Come To Me (Dare With Me #3) - J.H. Croix Page 0,20

porch. It opened into the living room. To one side was an archway that led into the kitchen and dining room area, and the other archway on the other end led into a hallway with three bedrooms and a bathroom. Like everywhere in Alaska, or so it seemed, the house had a view through the trees with a glimpse of the mountains to the side.

Diego glanced around. “Nice place.”

“I love it,” I said. “It came furnished and everything.”

I kicked off my shoes by the door, and he followed suit. “Follow me.” I gestured as I began to cross through the archway to the kitchen. “I’ll get that brownie for you.”

Chocolate was one of my favorite things, and I made incredible brownies, if I did say so myself. They were decadent with melted dark chocolate in the center. Heated, with vanilla ice cream, it was about the best simple dessert in the universe as far as I was concerned.

Diego followed me in, taking in the kitchen. It had counters lining three walls with a small oval table by the windows in what served as a casual dining area.

“Have a seat,” I called over my shoulder. “Do you want anything to drink with dessert?”

“Just water will do.”

I quickly sliced two brownies and heated them in the microwave. Only moments later, I was sitting across from Diego, watching as he took a bite and let out a rough moan. The sound vibrated through me. It seemed everything he did spoke to my hormones. They sent up a little cheer of approval.

“Damn. That’s fucking amazing,” he said flatly. “It really is the best brownie I’ve ever had.”

I didn’t know why I was blushing over brownies, but here I was.

“I’m glad to hear it. I’m sure Delia has desserts just as good as this. Everything else there is five-star quality.”

Diego took another bite. “Agreed that everything she makes is excellent, but I’m not sure she can beat this brownie. With the ice cream, it might be the food version of God.”

I laughed and took a bite.

“So, what did you think of the plane ride?” he asked a few moments later after he set his spoon down and pushed his empty bowl away.

“It was awesome. I’ve never been in a small plane like that. I kind of can’t believe that’s your job.”

He grinned. “Sometimes I can’t believe it either. I’ve been flying for years. That’s why I went into the Air Force. I wanted to fly planes. I didn’t know I’d luck into a job like this after I got out of the military.”

“I bet you guys love it.”

“We do. I have a job I love, and I get to work with people who are family to me. Can’t really beat it. I’m a happy man.”

A fierce sense of longing pierced me. That feeling, what he described, was what I wanted—feeling like I had my place in the world and I had my own little tribe. That was something I felt like I’d been searching for forever.

Restless, I stood to put our bowls in the sink. I felt him stand and cross over into the kitchen behind me. His presence was potent, all raw, primal, and easy masculinity. It wasn’t overpowering, but so complete.

Turning, I found him leaning against the counter, one hand curled on the edge and the other hooked in a pocket. There was nothing left to do just now, and anxiety spun inside me.

“Come’ere,” he murmured, his voice gruff.

Since apparently I did whatever Diego asked, I crossed the kitchen to stop in front of him. He reached a hand out, catching one of mine and reeling me closer to him. The heat emanating from him buffeted my body, and desire flickered to life, sending flames licking through me.

“I’m going to kiss you again,” he said slowly and with purpose, each word like a drop of liquid fire spinning into the need building inside me.

I licked my lips, and tried to take a breath. “Okay,” I whispered.

Then, his hand was sliding around my waist and pulling me flush against him. I felt his breath like a soft breeze on my skin as he dipped his head and dusted a kiss on my neck right behind my ear, sending a hot shiver through me. He made his way to my mouth at a leisurely pace, pressing hot, open kisses on the underside of my jaw. He dropped kisses at each corner of my mouth before he finally, finally, fit his mouth over mine.

That couldn’t have