This excerpt is different from the one that appears on my publisher’s website.

None of this made any sense to him. He argued in his head that he was about 12 years her senior, but as she talked in front of the roaring fire, he seemed to notice so much more about her than just their age difference. He had almost convinced himself that it was only her wit, intelligence and charm that he was finding attractive. But then, the next sip of brandy she took, her tongue slipped out, licking the errant drop from her lower lip. Jake found his gaze lingering on her mouth, the slope of her chin, the curve of her neck…

He knew right then that his attraction to Cari was a hell of a lot more than just appreciation for her engaging sense of humor. Cari shifted on the sofa, moving her shoulders and changing her legs’ position. The robe gaped open but Jake didn't act like the good gentleman his mother had taught him to be. Not a word left his mouth about the enticing view he now had of her breasts. For about half a second, he argued about the correctness of telling Cari about the gap. Instead, he surreptitiously readjusted his pants and continued to watch Cari.

Jake refilled her brandy snifter, ignoring his own conscience that told him she didn't need anything more to drink. He enjoyed talking to her, and just being with her. He wasn't in any hurry to be alone in the house again. When he sat back down on the sofa after refilling their snifters, he was much closer to her. Reaching out casually, he smoothed her hair back behind her ear. Jake let his fingers stroke over her soft, dark hair. Slowly, he wound the strand around his index finger, watching Cari's face. When he tugged on the curl, Cari turned her face towards him.

Cari felt the jolt of intense sexual desire for the first time in her life. She had thought she knew what a man and woman could feel. But the heat and desire coursing through her body didn’t remind her of anytime she’d spent with Tony. She was feeling intensely confused and unsure. How could she be this attracted to Jake when she had thought she was attracted to Tony? 

Dear Lord! Cari realized with a sharp stab of surprise that she wanted Jake! She felt a yearning deep inside of her, and a softening of her body. Tonight, for the first time, she truly understood what physical desire was! She moved towards him, not giving a damn just then about anyone else beyond the two of them.

When Jake slid his hand to cup the nape of her neck, she felt the tenderness in his touch and she let her eyelids drift shut. So lightly, his lips kissed Cari's, the barest caress of skin. Cari sighed softly as a second brushing of mouths came, followed by the lightest caress of Jake's tongue along Cari's lower lip.

Cari opened her eyes as she felt Jake pull back for a moment, removing the glass from her limp hand. She watched as Jake reached out to her and she didn’t resist as he pulled her into his arms. His mouth captured hers, kissing her hotly. Their tongues caressed, exploring each other’s taste and texture. When Jake shifted Cari to lie across his lap, she moved eagerly. As his hand began caressing her shoulder, arm and down to her waist, she shifted to make her body more available to him.

Cari moaned as she savored the kisses Jake was giving her. She had never felt anything like this. “Oh, God!” she whispered softly on a sigh of desire. She felt Jake's fingers tug at the silken tie holding the robe in place. When his fingers moved the edges of the robe apart, she stiffened for a moment. She had never been naked in front of man before.

Almost as if Jake could read her mind, he looked up to hold her gaze for a moment. “Don’t be embarrassed, Cari. I want to see your body.” Seeing the look in her eyes, he could tell something didn't “jive.” His senses were operating at 110%, intensely aware of the unspoken need to go slow with this sensitive and gentle woman.

Jake moved his hand up over her rounded tummy until he cupped her soft, plump breast. His eyes still held her gaze prisoner as his hand caressed her flesh. He watched her face change as his hand moved so seductively, yet lightly, across her soft skin. The gentle shiver shaking her body spoke loudly about her level of experience. When he fully cupped her breast, her eyes shot wide-open, pupils dilated.

Jake spoke softly, reassuring her. “Just relax, Cari. There is no rush. Take a deep breath and let your body take control for awhile.”

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Thank you, Mlyn