Cliffhanger from The Look of Love

It's a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest. We are enjoying time outside since the weather has cooled to a more tolerable temperature. We celebrated the 4th of July with a picnic and fireworks. The summer gives us a lot of opportunities to spend time outside. What are you and your family going to do this summer?

                The last few months they’d spent a lot of time together, fighting fires, meetings and their usual Friday night pizza. Only tonight a barrier had broken and they’d exchanged personal information they’d never broached before. Strangely he didn’t feel vulnerable by the exchange. He knew he could talk to her about anything.

                “You’ve got some great ideas, Penny. Go for it. You don’t need my help.” He moved his chair back. “I’m not a romantic, that’s been proven. You’d be better off on your own.”

                “That’s not true. You’re very romantic. You thought of the roses.” She touched his chest right above his heart and a jolt pierced his soul. His groin tightened and he suddenly felt uncomfortable. It had been a long time since he’d had sex, but to overreact from a mere touch was ridiculous.

                He sucked in a sharp breath. The rhythmic beat of his heart did a strange flip-flop. He’d allowed Penny’s discussion on romance to soften him. Quickly, he restored the wall around his heart.

                She stood up the same time he did and tripped on his chair leg. Reaching out, he grabbed her arms to balance her. His quick movement actually pulled her close against his chest. Her lips mere inches from his. Pink, shiny lips. Desirable lips.

                He didn’t want an emotional attachment to anyone. Especially his buddy. The aroma of roses tickled his nose. Her lips parted slightly, inviting him nearer. He closed the space between them and touched his lips to hers. A slight peck wasn’t enough. He needed more from her. Wrapping his arms around Penny, he molded her body to his. Intense passion flared within him. Her body melted against him. For the moment there was only the two of them and nothing else mattered.

                Desire flamed, heating his body as he kissed her again. She laced her hands around his neck and returned his kiss with an equally heated ardor. He increased the pressure on her lips showing her his need. His groin burned with an unfulfilled desire. When she threaded her fingers through his hair at the nape of his neck, a groan escaped his lips.

                The fire alarm echoed in the quiet room. “Engine 100—Ladder 110—Rescue 101, house fire on Main and Ellis Street.”

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