Awe-Struck E-Books: contemporary romance, 'Til There Was You

Excerpt

The trailer seemed very quiet as Alexei dressed and walked into the kitchen. "Where is your father and Rickey?"

"Dad took Rickey to a ballgame," she said without turning. Peppers and onions were sizzling in a pan. "Dad's not the best at sign language, but he and Rickey understand each other pretty well. He's the only male role model Rickey has. Troy is more like a strange friend who comes around from time to time."

"I noticed that," Alexei said, coming to stand beside her. "Your father and Rickey have developed a sympathetic language of their own. Your father doesn't really need signing."

She added a few mushrooms to the pan. "No, I guess not, but I like people to use sign language with Rickey as much as they can. I want him to learn."

"He's already extraordinary."

"Thanks."

"I want him to come to the camp, Robbie."

She stopped putting spaghetti into the pot of boiling water and turned to face him. "Even after everything I've put you through?"

"This is not for you," he said. "This is for Rickey. He deserves a chance."

"Alexei! That's -- thank you! I don't know what to say." Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly then briefly pressed her lips to his.

Time stood still in the warm, fragrant kitchen. It was merely an instant of sunlight and the scent of cooking and the chemistry between them that enchanted them. The clock on the cabinet struck the hour. Alexei heard himself make a noise in the back of his throat then he pressed her closer with his hands and slanted his mouth across hers, deepening the kiss.

Hungrily, she swayed into his embrace. He was devouring her and she was glad to be devoured. Her body knew no shame or logic when she was near him. The need was clear and powerful. She wanted him, his kiss and his touch. She drank him in like cool white wine on a hot summer day. He had the same effect of going right to her head.

It was Alexei who finally recalled himself and moved a fraction from her. He touched the scattering of little golden freckles across her nose and cheeks. He looked into the deep blue of her eyes and barely stopped himself from tasting the curve of her lips again. To have brought her joy made his heart sing, but to have her pressed against him was making other parts of him happy.

"You're welcome," he said in a husky voice. His hands were resting at her waist. She was small and supple beneath his touch. She moved closer again and he caught his breath. "Robbie, I --"

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