Summer Lovin'

Summer Lovin' -- Part 3

Chapter 3

"This is a great wine," Luke said, taking another sip. "Thanks for bringing it."

"I'm glad you like it. I've always preferred the fruitier wines, even though they're not always the experts' favorite."

Luke adjusted the steaks on the grill, flames flaring up as the fat dripped onto the coals. "I'm usually a beer kind of guy, but having the same thing, day after day?" He shook his head. "Sometimes you need to change things up."

"I agree," she said.

Her cheeks were flushed, probably from the wine, but he hoped she was experiencing some of the same sensations he was. He was tempted to lean down and brush her full lips with his, but the night was just getting started. It made more sense to wait, even if the anticipation killed him.

The breeze pulled at her hair, sending her summery scent his direction again. She grabbed at the gold strands, holding them in a ponytail behind her with one hand, smiling at him.

He bit back a groan. Yes, waiting was going to kill him. He just had to remember how delicious this stage could be.

He heard a growl, and looked down at his stomach. No, it wasn't him. He glanced at Mia. "Was that you? These should be ready in a few more minutes."

She laughed and set her wineglass on the nearby table. "No, it was the hellhound. He feels the need to demonstrate his ferocity every hour or so." She clapped her hands. "What are you chewing on now?"

The dog ran around the corner, with his little puppy grin in place. He'd managed to find one of Luke's old flip flops. Which actually made Luke happy. He'd put it there for the little guy to play with, to keep him busy while Luke entertained Mia.

"Looks like he's got a shoe fetish," Luke said.

Mia grinned. "Isn't he just the worst?" She slapped her hands on her thighs, trying to get the dog's attention. "Sondra never told me what a handful he would be. Thank goodness it's only for two weeks."

She patted her legs again, and Luke couldn't keep his eyes away. He almost wished she was still wearing shorts instead of the yellow sundress she'd changed into. It was a shame to keep those lovely legs covered up. But he was rewarded when the puppy came galloping over to her, and she bent down, her breasts seeming to spill out of the top of the dress.

Luke brushed the hair off his forehead. Boy could he use a cold brew right then. He needed to hold the icy bottle against his face, so he could try to get his internal temperature down to a safe level while Mia was making it skyrocket.

The puppy put his front paws on Mia's knees, his tail wagging so gleefully he nearly knocked himself over.

I know how you feel, buddy.

Luke gripped the deck railing, leaning in as casual a pose as he could manage. He watched Mia and Hellboy play tug-of-war with his flip flop, and he was completely enchanted, by both of them.

"That really smells good," Mia said.

For a minute, Luke didn't know what she meant. He just enjoyed seeing her inhaling deeply, her eyes closed, a very blissful smile on her lips.

"The steaks," he said. He yanked on the lid of the gas grill. Smoke and steam poured out, and he waved at it. He was so distracted, he was acting like a rank amateur. He grabbed one of the steaks with the tongs and placed it on a plate.

There was a lot to be said for anticipation, but he was going to have to adjust his timetable, move things up a little faster. Mia was making him hotter and lustier than he'd been for way too long.