Page 62 of From the Embers

Denver releases Bodhi to the floor and he has a good old stretch out with his front paws leading the way. Then he decides to take a little trot around my lounge room to check things out.

“He’s a curious one,” I muse as I watch him. I feel Denver’s hands on my waist from behind.

“Much like his dad in that respect,” he says, bending down close to my ear. The warmth of his breath caresses my skin and gives me butterflies.

“Very much.”

“Can I show you what I was doing before I got interrupted by… her?”

I blink a few times, watching him reach for the sketchbook he’s been carrying. “By all means.”

I watch as he opens the first page and flicks through a few black and white sketches. “Wow, D, I didn’t know you were such a good artist.”

He laughs, stopping at a page full of bright color and scrubs a hand over his chin. “I’m really not. It’s more of a relaxation thing. But I was working on this sketch, inspired by you.” He holds it so I can see a beautiful burnt orange sky and vivid green water lapping below.

“It’s beautiful, Denver.”

“Not nearly as beautiful as you. And you recognise the color palette? I took liberty from your hair and your eyes.”

Tears form in an instant, my fingers touch the edge of the page as I take it in. “You did this for me?”

“Yes. I got inspired. I haven’t picked this up in a while.”

“I love it. I really love it.”

“Thank you.” He smiles and slides the sketchbook onto the coffee table. He stands and pulls me up into his arms. Immediately he rocks his hips into me and I can feel the heat rising between us. I can feel his hardness against my lower back.

“You seem happy to see me,” I giggle.

He rocks again and I lean back into him, loving the way his big, warm hands feel on me.

“Very happy, baby girl.” He steers me over to the couch. It’s a big, soft plushy one with plenty of cushions. “Maybe while Bodhi makes himself at home we can make out?”

I stifle a laugh as he snuggles into me. His strong arms feel protective and safe wrapped around my body. “Make out, huh?”

“If I’m lucky.”

“You just might get lucky.”

He bumps me with his hips again and I spin around. He catches me in a kiss, his lips more urgent this time as both his hands frame my face. “I’ve been dying to kiss you.” His murmur sends shivers up my spine and I pull the material on his shirt, balling it up into both hands.

“I need you, Denver.” Our kisses lock and intertwine as he steers me back toward the couch.

“You and that beautiful body.”

“Let me see you,” he says, his eyes flicking down to my chest. “All of you.”

I waste little time in pulling my sweatshirt over my head and dropping it on the floor. Glad I have a lacey bra on, I reach around and unclasp the back.

I let it fall to the floor as Denver’s eyes devour me. He makes me feel so sexy with his heated gaze, and the lick of his lips says it all.

He reaches for the edge of his hoodie and pulls it off with his shirt underneath in one tug.

I stare at his gloriousness. It’s surreal that we’re here like this and how well we fit. “Pants please, Mister Banks.”

His grin is wide as he wags a finger at me. “Ladies first.”

I press my lips together and tug at my sweatpants, pushing them off my legs and stepping out. He quickly rids himself of his pants so we’re both just in our underwear. He steps closer and leans in to kiss me while cupping my breasts, but before I can pull him down onto the couch with me, he drops to his knees. He breathes into the middle of my chest, rubbing my nipples with his thumbs, then kisses each one, his tongue working a sexy dance.