She groaned, knew she was lost as she moved into the heat of his body. Her arms stole around his neck, and she instantly became a part of him. Skin to skin. Breath to breath. His hair felt like silk between her fingertips. And his mouth was a haven of fire and hunger that matched her own. She sank into him, his kiss sweeping her away just as she knew it would. She was just as demanding as he, matching fire for fire, hungry, almost greedy in her response.
His arms tightened around her, and his kiss was possessive, a man starved, claiming her, and she claimed him right back, pushing so close they didn’t need the clothes separating them.
“Get a hotel room,” Jase said. “Geez, this place is getting to be X-rated.” He leaned against the wall, a cold piece of pizza in his hand, chewing as he regarded them with feigned disgust. His eyes were bright with happiness, and neither could fail to recognize the hope on his face.
Maia pulled her mouth away from Cole’s, pressing her forehead against his chest, trying to find a way to breathe when her lungs felt starved for air. “He’s getting hard to resist, Jase. I think we need to put some kind of warning label on him.”
“You’re just tired, Doc,” Cole said, catching her chin, forcing her to look at him.
A woman could definitely get trapped in his blue eyes. She sighed. “That must be it, but just in case, kiss me again.”
He didn’t wait for a second invitation. He lowered his head to hers, his hand sliding around her neck, holding her still for his kiss.
“I could kiss you forever,” she murmured.
Jase rolled his eyes. “Well don’t. Think food instead.”
Maia blushed, shocked she’d admitted it aloud. “He mesmerized me, Jase, it isn’t my fault.”
“That’s not how it looked to me,” Jase said. “You were definitely doing the kissing.”
Maia pulled out of Cole’s arms. “I’m going to go check the horse and the cat in that order.”
“You’re running,” Cole informed her.
That intriguing trace of amusement flashed momentarily in his eyes. She had to look away from temptation. “Yes, I am, but don’t go thinking it’s because of your studly self. I’m running from having to cook. I’ll make the popcorn, but the two of you are bottomless pits, and if I’m the one putting together Christmas dinner and baking . . .”
“Cookies,” Jase interrupted. “Lots of cookies. And pies.” He poked his brother. “She just zapped you, bro, put you right in your place.”
“I thought you wanted to let that cat rest. Stop avoiding me and come into the kitchen. I’ll do the cooking, and you do your strange thing with the popcorn.” Cole took her hand and drew her into the kitchen. “I started on the wood carving by the way. I’ve actually found a couple of pieces of wood that might be perfect for a couple of them.”
“I’ve never seen anyone carve before. Will you teach me?”
His gaze moved over her face. Dark. Brooding. Sexy. Maia backed into the table. “Maybe not.” She waved at him. “Get started on your cooking.”
“I’m making progress.”
“You were making progress, but I’ve come to my senses again.” She turned her back on him, rummaging through cupboards to find the popcorn. “Jase, find me a needle and thread please.”
“Did you really go to Africa and Indochina, Doc?” Jase asked, stuffing potato chips into his mouth.
“Yes. It was beautiful. I loved it, but you have to be prepared for a lot of bugs.”
“I’m going to do that someday,” Jase said. “What you did for Wally was so great, but I couldn’t believe how it felt to touch that mountain lion.” He leaned both elbows on the table, chin in hand and studied her with his bright eyes. “I have to do that again.”
“There’s something incredible about a wild cat. Tigers and lions and leopards, all the exotics. You look them in the eye, and you just know we need to find a way to share our space with them. They’re incredible.”
“Do you want to go back there?” Cole asked, his voice tight.
There was a sudden silence in the room. Maia knew the Steele brothers were watching her closely. She turned her head, meeting Cole’s gaze. Her stomach did a crazy flip. It wasn’t often she could read his expression, but he was tense, expecting a blow. She forced a casual shrug. “If I want to work with exotics again, most likely I’d find a zoo somewhere. I’m a fill-in vet, so I can make enough money to start my own practice.”
“Why don’t you take over the one here?” Jase asked.
“Money, honey. I’ve got some saved, but not enough.”
Popcorn began to sound off, a rapid gunfire of miniexplosions.
“Smells good,” Jase said.
“I think you’d eat anything if it didn’t move,” Maia observed, laughing at him. “Leave my popcorn alone. And I’m putting you to work stringing it while Cole makes dinner.” She tossed him the small sewing kit containing needles and thread. “Come on, help out, shark tooth.”
chapter
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