Love in Bloom

Cliffhanger from Love in Bloom by Rosemary Indra.

Sitting in the darkened mudroom Derek wondered how Sheila had talked him into something so foolish. After all these years she was able to get him to participate in her escapades. He’d had no intention of helping her. Then she gave him her slow, sexy smile which was his undoing.

While she was busy fixing refreshments he’d moved the antique wooden bench, which usually served as a place to remove muddy shoes closer to the window. He slid the glass pane open in order to hear anyone in the driveway.

When his cell phone rang he reached into his pocket to answer the call. Mattie’s smiling picture greeted him when he opened the phone. “Yes Mattie.” He listened to her request then replied, “Yes I’m with Sheila. And no you can’t stay up past your bedtime. Grandma knows what time you should be in bed. Good night, Mattie.” Derek turned the phone off before he slipped it into his pocket.

Sheila returned to the room with two steaming mugs and placed them on the table beside him. “Here I made us some hot chocolate.”

The small entryway had a large window facing her driveway only a faint glow from the streetlight filtered into the room. Even in the dimly lit area he knew every move Sheila made. He could feel her around him. Her fingers lightly brushed his arm sending a current of electricity and excitement through him. His groin awakened to ideas he hadn’t experienced in a long time. She’d always gotten under his skin but now there was the sexual awareness. The need for her pulsed through his veins, as sure as the air he breathed.

“Why do you think someone would break into your car?” He watched her set two mugs on a small table she’d moved beside him.

“I stuffed an old purse with newspaper and place it on the passenger seat. Then I set my GPS charging unit on top of the bag. When he looks into the car the bait will be too tempting to pass up,” her voice held an air of confidence.

He knew they wouldn’t catch anyone but their private investigation gave him some time alone with Sheila.

Their amateur investigator scenario turned intimate when Sheila sat beside him. Darkness surrounded them reminding him of waiting for a movie to started at the drive-in. Feeling crowded on the bench; he placed his arm behind her. A mistake he realized too late.

When she leaned against his shoulder, Derek laid his cheek on her head. Inhaling the fresh scent of her hair he sighed. Content he could stay here forever. Trying to break the closeness he asked humorously, “What no popcorn?”

“I could make some if you like.” She turned to face him, her lips were close to his.

He hungered for their sweetness. With his arm on her shoulder he leaned into her. His mouth claimed hers with an intense longing and the need for her passionate response. Reaching under her sweater he caressed the softness of her skin.

He wanted Sheila. Without analyzing the depth of his need Derek kissed her again. A primal demand burned within him, so deep he knew a few kisses wouldn’t quench.

When Sheila wrapped her arms around his neck, he groaned. Her parted lips were a silent invitation to deepen their kiss. Abruptly, she pulled back from their embrace before he wanted their encounter to end. “Derek, I think I heard something.”