Ravenous Read Online Free Page B

with Jesse Hackett and unable to resist the pleasure of his touch.
    “Erin dear, do you need…”
    Jesse cursed against her ear and stepped back at the sound of his mother’s voice.
    “I’m sorry,” she added. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your…cleaning.”
    Jesse strode to the other end of the kitchen and Erin glanced up to see Mrs Hackett’s beaming smile. Erin cringed at the longing in the older woman’s eyes and breathed deep to calm the anxiety bubbling to take over. They’d been as close as family once, but when Jesse moved to Sydney he’d taken Erin’s relationship with his mother with him. Her own heartache had been bad enough and now the woman she had held such a deep connection with was staring at her in hope–a hope that would never be fulfilled.
    “You’re not interrupting,” Erin smiled and brushed the bubbles from her hands, “I was just cleaning a few things before I head home.”
    She peered over her shoulder and found Jesse staring at her. His jaw clenched and she knew he received her message of departure loud and clear.
    “I’ll do those.” Mrs Hackett nudged her way to the sink and Erin had to slide out of the way.
    “But that’s what I’m here for.” She frowned.
    Mrs Hackett shooed Erin with hands covered in bubbles. “Scoot. You need to get your rest so you can be back here tomorrow. I have my entire family coming and you’ll need all the energy you can get.”
    She stared at Mrs Hackett’s back, buying a few extra seconds to compose herself before she would have to deal with Jesse. “Alright,” she shuffled around the counter and grabbed her handbag, “Karen and I will be back in the afternoon.” Her sister would need to help her tomorrow. The number of guests was far too many for Erin to handle by herself.
    “I can’t wait.” Mrs Hackett kept her focus on the pan in the sink. “Can you walk Erin out please, Jess?”
    He rolled his eyes and a smile tilted his lips. “Yeah, sure. Not a problem.”
    Swallowing hard, Erin gave a final wave of farewell to Mrs Hackett and headed for the front door. She wanted to get a head start on Jesse so there was enough distance to cool the spark between them. It didn’t last long. By the time she opened the door, he hovered beside her, settling his hand on the low of her back.
    “I’m a big girl. I can find my own way.” She tried to outpace him down the gravel driveway so the tempting feel of his palm didn’t seduce her again.
    He didn’t answer. He kept his hand against the silk of her blouse, the heat from his palm infiltrating her entire body. When they reached her car she turned to get the goodbye over and done with.
    “Thanks for the escort. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She began to turn back to her car, but he stepped into her, causing her to move back. He caged her against the cool metal, his dark gaze promising things she didn’t want to see.
    “You owe me,” he purred.
    “O-owe you?” Her voice was breathless and she bit her lip, hating how her nipples hardened with interest.
    “Yeah.” He leaned in so they were nose-to-nose. “You owe me an orgasm.”
    Her bark of laughter was sudden and unstoppable. “Ohh, poor baby.” She leaned back and patted his cheek with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll live.”
    He rested the hardness of his erection against her pelvis. The thick length made her shudder and every inch of her skin broke out in a shiver.
    “Stay with me. Just for tonight.” His voice was low, dangerous, and made her ache between her thighs. If she stayed the night she could kiss goodbye all the years she fought to forget him. She would be back at square one, depressed and yearning for a man she could never keep.
    She shook her head and opened her mouth to reiterate. Her answer died under the soft press of his lips against hers. A cry escaped–one of submission and lust, and she clung to his shoulder with her free hand, hoping to find the strength to pull away.
    “Stay with me,” he spoke into her