Chapter 12

Nick yanked his mouth away from hers. Alexa, dazed, searched his face for any sign of emotion, but he was preoccupied with her mother. "I'm sorry, Maria." His grin was wry and completely masculine.
Maria laughed and turned to face her daughter, who was still snuggled in his arms. "I apologize for interrupting. When you're finished, come join us."
Alexa heard footsteps behind her. Nick's gaze moved downward gradually. She shivered. She was expecting to see a cloud of passion. Instead, his chestnut eyes shone brightly. His expression was serene. Alexa would have assumed the kiss had had no effect on him if it hadn't been for the hard length pressing against her thigh. She was dragged back in time and space, deep in the woods, when her thoughts were freely expressed and her trust was shattered. The gentle bite of his fingers on her hips as he held her, the first touch of his lips over hers, the boyish scent of cologne rising to her nostrils.