His gaze slid lazily over her as he pulled her into his arms. Are you feeling any better, or do I need to play doctor tonight? He smoothed his hands down her waist. Although the latter could be very fulfilling for us both, Id rather you be healthy.

Butterflies swarmed Emilys stomach. Im sure itd be more than fulfilling, she replied, her eyes trained on the mouth she so desperately wanted to kiss. Giving in to the temptation, she edged up on her tiptoes and did just that. She lingered in the moment his lips melted over hers.

Mmm, I take it you are feeling better, he said, backing her out of the foyer and into the living room. Lips still locked, he slipped her purse from her shoulder and dropped it onto a moving box behind the couch. But dont think youre getting off so easily. I have the whole doctor set up in my closet, complete with stethoscope and white thigh highs for those pretty legs.

Emily reared her head back, curiosity swimming in her eyes. Are you serious?

No, but I can make a quick run to Kiki De Montparnasse on Greene Street to pick out something naughty for you if you insist.

Emily giggled. Did you just speak French?

Gavin smiled, his dimple deepening his cheek. Yes As a matter of fact, I speak it fluently. I have a very talented tongue. He brushed his lips over hers, teasing lightly. But thats not something you wouldnt know already. I love the thought of you in white thigh highs, but I have to admit I prefer you in black.

And here I was thinking you preferred me naked. Another giggle as Gavin groaned. Tilting her head as he worked his lips against her neck, Emily noticed water about to bubble over a pot on the stove. Its boiling, Emily breathed huskily. The sensation of his mouth caressing her collarbone sent pleasure up her spine.

Im sure it is. Ive always had that effect on you. Gavins voice vibrated over Emilys skin as he started unbuttoning her blouse. Remember, I do things to your body no one else can.

Though utterly and completely turned on, Emily couldnt help but bust out laughing. Gavin looked adorably confused, but in that moment, all of her nervousness hit her at once, and she couldnt stop.

Brows drawn together, Gavin sent her a questioning stare. His hands fell away from her blouse as she continued her hysterics. What? His mouth quirked into a half smile. Im not a pro, but I thought they were pretty good lines.

Emily placed her hand on his chest. I was talking about the water on the stove. Do you really think I would use the word boiling to describe what you do to my body?

Gavin blinked. Is this an attempt to make me feel better? If so, youre failing miserably.

Emily playfully pursed her lips, threading her fingers through his hair. Aw, did I bruise my mans ego?

In more ways than one, he admitted. Like fire, the raw hunger igniting his features devoured her. He leaned into her ear, his voice a slow whisper. But dont worry my retaliation will be your wonderful undoing.

His promise slid over Emily like silk. A shiver prickled her flesh as he feathered his mouth across her jaw, her muscles coiling, taut with desire. Wrapping his hand around her nape, Gavin crushed his lips against hers. Leaving her nearly breathless, he tangled his fingers in her hair, his kiss intense, and just as quickly backed away. As she tried to recover from the delicious blow of his overly skilled tactics, Emily heard him stifling a laugh. He wandered into the kitchen. Half in a daze, she slumped onto the leather couch, slipped off her heels, and discarded them on the marble floor.

Emily, Gavin called.

Still dizzy, she swallowed and took a deep breath. Gavin.

I just made your body boil, sweets, he pointed out with a raised brow and a smirk. Would it be safe to say Ill achieve the same results once I have your naked body pinned beneath mine tonight?

Knowing the man staring at her was nothing short of enthralling, exhilarating, powerful, and all-consuming, Emily found herself simply nodding. His words wiped her clear of her own. He grinned that sexy grin thatd caught her off guard from day one and made his way into the kitchen.

He opened a box of pasta and tossed the noodles into the pot of water. Steam drifted up, wreathing around him. He flipped on another burner, drizzled a touch of olive oil into a pan, and layered a few pieces of chicken breast coated with flour into it. After washing his hands, he grabbed two plates from the cabinet. Sitting back, Emily took in the way he maneuvered around the space with ease. He had this shit down. A real life Emeril, but one who was completely hot and undoubtedly worked out. Considering he sat behind a desk all day, there was no other way his body stayed magnificently in shape. Her eyes traced the faded jeans hanging perfectly over his trim waist. She watched soberly as his muscles flexed with every movement underneath a black T-shirt. He was so casual, yet so powerful. She wondered if he knew it.

Since her extent of cooking knowledge went no further than ramen noodles or a box of mac and cheese, Emily knew she had some catching up to do in the cooking department. Considering Gavin had a private chef prepare most of his meals, she found it amusing he even knew what he was doing. However, this wouldnt be the first time something Gavin did or said shocked her. A warm feeling of comfort spilled through her. Dillon had never cooked for them. Theyd always gone out to dinner. Not that she didnt enjoy being spoiled to some extent, but she loved the small things Gavin did. Somehow, as she watched Gavin pull out a bottle of white wine from the refrigerator and pour them both a glass, she knew he was going to fill her life with countless small things that would equate to more than anything any other man would ever give her. For a brief second, she smiled. Then the reality of what the evening would consist of attacked her nerves again. She cringed, regretting that shed lied to him. Swallowing, she took a deep breath and rose to her feet.