As the kiss became more heated, her heart began to race, and she couldn’t help but moan in feminine appreciation. He could arouse her as no man had done before. His male powersurrounded her, but not to conquer her. Instead, she felt enveloped by it, embraced.
Reluctantly breaking off the kiss at the sound of her stomach growling, she licked her lips. “I guess I’m hungrier than I thought. My stomach has decided to remind me that I skipped lunch today.”
“You skipped lunch? Why?”
There was no way she was telling him the thought of joining him for dinner had made her too excited to eat. Instead, she said, “I got busy. So, when do I get to try out this dish that I’m sure will taste just as good as your mom’s?”
“I’m not saying it’s as good as Mom’s, but you get to try it out now.” Still holding her hand, he led her into the dining room.”
***
Cobra couldn’t help grinning at the number of times Desiree told him how good the meal was. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Mom said it makes great leftovers, and there’s plenty left if you want to take some home with you.”
“I’d like that. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, standing to start clearing off the table. She stood to help.
“You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I’ve got this.”
“I don’t mind helping. You fed me, and I appreciate it,” she said, clearing the table as well.
Deciding not to argue, he said, “Then you can help me load the dishwasher.”
It had been hard as hell sitting across the table from her and holding a conversation while so many naughty thoughts had been going through his mind. Whenever she smiled at him, a deep, primitive force tempted him to put his fork down and lean over to kiss her. Of course, he didn’t. After all, he had assured her that he could control his urges. However, the restraint he’dbeen struggling to hold on to during dinner was slowly giving way.
Sexual tension had been a constant undercurrent between them during the meal. Even now, the air seemed to shimmer around them. Cobra shook his head. He had to get a grip; otherwise, he would be whisking her up the stairs to his bedroom. Something he swore he’d never do. Not now. Not here.
“Have you heard from Richard?” he asked, prewashing the plates, and she loaded them.
“Yes, he’s texted me twice now. The last one said he’s adding an additional week to his trip.”
Cobra nodded. He had gotten a similar text and was glad Richard was enjoying himself with Lolita.
“You know what I think, Cobra?”
“No, what do you think?”
“He’s extending his business trip because of me.”
Cobra’s hand went still as he gazed at her. He knew that was as far from the truth as it could get. “What makes you think that?”
She rolled her eyes. “I know you and my granddad have a close relationship, so I’m sure he’s told you about my mom.”
“What about her?”
“He blames her for my father’s death.”
“Richard has never said anything like that to me, Desiree. He told me they were out on a boat, drinking, and your mother fell overboard. Your father, who was equally drunk, jumped into the water to save her, and they both drowned. Is that not what happened?”
“Yes, that’s right. But still, he blames her for forcing my dad to live that kind of lifestyle. And because I look so much like her, he indirectly blames me.”
“What are you talking about, Desiree?”
***
Desiree heard the hardness in Cobra’s voice and knew she had to tread lightly. After all, he was close to her grandfather and, in his eyes, Richard Sharpe could do no wrong. “My paternal grandparents never thought Mom was good enough for my dad.”
“Who told you that?”
