CHAPTER 18
Sadie got out of the car.
Point me to the lift! she exclaimed dramatically, throwing her arms open and closing her eyes. She looked like a human sacrifice to the skiing gods. JC laughed.
I meant the lodge, he said, nodding his head toward the Lincoln-log like structure tucked away behind the sign, I dont know about you, but Im starving.
Sadie dropped her arms. Food. Of course! Food! She hadnt eaten anything before they left but shed been so caught up in him, shed forgotten she was hungry.
Theres a really good Italian restaurant here, JC went on, Um
you like Italian I hope
Sadie smiled at him.
Not to worry sweetheart, she said, I was raised on Italian food.
JC relaxed.
Oh good, he said, Lets go. He held out his hand. She stepped around the car and took it. However, they only made it maybe two steps towards the lodge before JC stopped them again
What? Sadie asked, confused.
I almost forgot something, JC replied, turning to her. His feet made a soft crunching noise in the snow. He took Sadies other hand. While were alone
She suddenly became aware of the silence all around them. They stood in a parking lot, there was a ski lift near by, but not a single human soul was to be seen in the vicinity of where they stood. Sadies mind raced. She realized the implication. She realized what being alone meant. She realized
Sadie
She realized JC was once again mere inches from her face, lips parted, eyes half-closed. She swallowed hard. In one step, he closed the gap between them and took her chin in his palm. His opposite hand wrapped around her arm. She grabbed the front of his shirt to steady her herself.
And his mouth came down.
His lips were soft, supple, delicate, demanding
tasting of cold and boy and a million other things Sadie couldnt find names for. She let her eyes close, sliding her hands from his chest to around his neck in an effort to bring him closer. Their kiss deepened. Sadie didnt breathe as he pressed against her body, lips dancing across her mouth. They were barely parted lips, but they were open enough for Sadie to feel the very tip of his tongue as it brushed hers, his head tilting in search of a better angle. She tentatively touched him back, igniting a whole new series of sparks as she licked at the ridge of his teeth.
Then, all too soon, it ended.
JC stepped back.
Let me buy you dinner, he murmured, stroking his thumb across her swollen lips, Because it may be the last chivalrous gesture Ill be able to manage today.
Sadie caught his wrist.
Not unless you kiss me again, she breathed.
JC shook his head. His face twisted in pain.
Not now, he pleaded, Not here.
But Sadie wasnt taking no for an answer.
YES now, she growled, YES here.
She grabbed his broad shoulders. He tried to back away, but she leaned into him, pressing her thirsty lips to his closed mouth until he opened up and gave in to her demanding touch. His fingers dug into her back. His body shook with tension. Sadie refused to stop. She wanted him. Now. Here.
He pulled away again.
I dont want dinner, he panted, eyes dark with unrequited lust, I want
Get in the car, Sadie hissed.