STORY EXCERPT

A pair of dancers two-stepped to romantic, pop music. Blake propped his cane against a stool. In one pull, he brought her to his hard body and enveloped her in his strong arms...the feelings of safety and security engulfed her psyche. This is what I crave. His lemony, masculine aftershave smelled luscious. He could easily tempt her, if she allowed it.

The words of the song, romantic and mesmerizing, propelled them like sailboats over a raven colored lake and lingered in her mind. At the far end of the rectangular room, a lone bartender poured a cerulean blue drink into a tall, plastic glass, propped an orange slice on the lip and handed it to a gentlemen who accepted it. He stepped up the stairs and disappeared. Another couple who seemed absorbed in each other, slow-stepped to the writhing, undulating, Spanish beat.

Blake's flattened hands pressed against Kenna's brown dress. Tingles shot over her skin and an invisible force arced between them. Love at first sight exists. Her soul shuddered while enduring his fascination and scrutiny. She closed her eyes. The song concluded and everyone except Blake and Kenna left the rec room. The party neared an end but she didn't want her time with Blake to end.

Any intelligent, respectable woman would know that it was the time to say goodbye and walk home alone. She inwardly balked. Their closeness healed old wounds. For months, she hadn't felt so good. Aching to nestle into the caring, comfortable cocoon of his strong arms she tilted her head and gazed into his glittering eyes.

Without thought, she rose onto her toes and pressed her parted lips to his. His mouth and tongue tasted of beer. Her heart fluttered. She wanted more of him. He responded with a slight noise in his throat.

His rough fingers stroked the curve of her clothed back as his tongue slid between her lips. She wanted his hands on her back. How long had it been since a man like Blake pleased me in bed? His strong, ardent touches, up and down her spine, entranced her. Her attraction for this Caucasian god grew. How many nights would she spend revisiting this moment? She fought hard to restore some semblance of control before she pulled away. The smoldering flame now evolved into a bonfire.

His lips left hers and moved to the rim of her ear. "Would you like me to walk you home? I promise I'll deliver you to your door unscathed."

"Unscathed, eh?" Kenna paused and took a deep, trembling breath before continuing. "I would love you to. First, I'll tell Bette and the others goodbye."

"I'll get your coat. Beige suede, right?"

She blinked in disbelief. "How did you—"

"I've noticed everything about you since you set foot in the house."