First Kisses: a Book+Main Bites anthology

by Book+Main Inc.

  “Okay.”

  For more Bites by Marie Force, visit her at https://bookandmainbites.com/marieforce

  If you loved this Bite, read Virtuous on Amazon and iBooks

  About Marie Force

  Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, including the indie-published Gansett Island Series and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series. In 2019, her new historical Gilded series from Kensington Books will debut with Duchess By Deception.

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  He Tasted of Chocolate, Marshmallow, Salt Water, and Sin

  Pandora Spocks

  Conversation over their grilled mahi dinner and sauvignon blanc centered on their adventures over the past couple of weeks. The mood was light and happy, and Judd, for one, was glad for Jessi’s company. Her face lit up as she recounted her surfing attempts and the pair laughed easily.

  Buddy devoured his bowl of kibble and promptly passed out again. Judd and Jessi carried their dishes into the house, quickly restoring order to the kitchen. Jessi glanced at her watch and decided that she should be leaving soon.

  “Do you have to go?” Judd asked, noticing her checking her watch.

  “Oh, you know, I should probably head home.”

  “We haven’t had dessert yet.”

  Jessi chuckled. “I’m so stuffed from that delicious dinner. I don’t think I could take another bite.”

  “Come on, Jessi, there’s always room for dessert,” he coaxed. “Wait til you see.” Judd opened a cabinet, removed a few items, and placed them on the counter.

  Watching curiously, Jessi had to laugh. “Chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. S’mores?”

  Judd nodded proudly. “S’mores. You can’t resist s’mores. Nobody can. It’s a known fact.”

  Laughing again, Jessi followed Judd back outside. “I haven’t had s’mores since… Well, probably not since that time I took the kids camping.”

  “Then you’re long overdue. This stuff is left from when my sister and niece were here.” He took two steel barbecue skewers, placed two marshmallows on the end of one, and handed it to Jessi.

  “One, please. I just want one marshmallow.”

  He grinned, sliding a single marshmallow onto the other skewer, and they traded. “Lightweight,” he teased. “Now, let me show you how it’s done.” He held the marshmallows a distance away from the flames, allowing them to slowly begin to warm.

  “Careful there, you might accidentally roast those guys,” Jessi jibed. She poured more wine for him and for herself.

  “Kid if you must,” Judd replied, “but these bad boys are going to be perfection.”

  Jessi sipped her wine, watching as the marshmallows began to slowly expand while remaining pristinely white. “I have a different method,” she commented.

  “Oh, you do, do you?”

  “Yup.” She prepared a graham cracker, breaking it into two pieces and placing a square of chocolate on one of them. “Watch and learn, fire boy.”

  Taking her skewer, she fixed him with an arched eyebrow before plunging her marshmallow directly into the flames. When she pulled it out again, the round white confection was engulfed in blue flame. Gently, she blew out the fire to reveal a charred marshmallow.

  “You burned it,” Judd observed.

  “It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. Pure perfection.” She lay the marshmallow on top of the chocolate and used the other graham cracker to slide it off the skewer.

  She waved her hand over the top of her dessert with a triumphant flourish. “Tah-dah!”

  By this time, Judd’s marshmallows had tripled in size and were just beginning to turn a toasty golden brown. “See, this is how you make a s’more.” Carefully, he carried his marshmallows to the table where Jessi had prepared his graham crackers and chocolate. He slid the marshmallows off the skewer and pressed the top cracker on, gooey marshmallow running over the sides.

  Judd motioned for Jessi to sit, and he perched on the stool at an angle to her, their knees just brushing under the table. He lifted his s’more and held it out to her. “To adventure!”

  Jessi picked up her own dessert and touched it to Judd’s, laughing lightly. “Adventure.”

  He continued to watch her thoughtfully as she nibbled her s’more. “Thank you, Jessi, for such a great day.”

  In the candlelight, his eyes flickered and Jessi felt the tingle in her belly. And lower.

  “It was fun. It really was,” she murmured, hoping the dim light hid her blush.

  Judd bit into his s’more with gusto, leaving a trail of marshmallow down his chin that dripped onto his shirt.

  Jessi giggled happily. “I knew that was too much for one s’more.”

  “It was just the right amount,” Judd returned, sweeping the errant goo off his shirt and licking it off his finger. “The graham cracker just couldn’t hold all the awesomeness.”

  Jessi laughed again, pointing to his chin.

  “What?”

  “You missed a spot.”

  He cocked his head, trying to see his chin. He aimed his tongue at the corner of his mouth. “Now?”

  She shook her head and slid off her stool. “I’ll get it.” Stepping closer, she swiped her finger up his chin, removing most of the white confection. Without thinking, she popped her finger into her mouth, but she didn’t miss the heat in his eyes.

  Impulsively, she leaned forward and lapped at the corner of his mouth. He tasted of chocolate, marshmallow, salt water, and sin. A low groan emanated from Judd’s chest. Jessi leaned back to look him in the face.

  “Little one,” he whispered.

  Stepping deliberately closer, she straddled his right knee and leaned in again, planting light kisses where the marshmallow had been.

  Judd placed his hands on her hips and moved her back a bit. “Are we crossing this line?” His voice was soft, hopeful.

  Jessi blinked and nodded. “Yes. Please.”

  He didn’t wait for further permission. He wasted no time in claiming her lips, devouring them as he pulled her closer, raising his knee to meet the warm needy place between her thighs.

  Jessi gave herself over completely to his kiss. She’d craved it for longer than she was willing to admit to herself. She’d loved Graham. But Graham was gone. And he’d given her permission to move on. It was time she gave herself permission.

  Judd broke off the kiss and stood her back from him, steadying her when she wobbled a bit. He fixed her with his best Dominant glare. “You will be kneeling at the foot of my bed in two minutes. You will be dressed. I will undress you.”

  Jessi immediately bowed her head. “Yes, Sir.”

  Watching her scurry into the house, Judd leaned back, interlacing his fingers and placing his hands on the back of his head, and exhaled slowly. The thing he hadn’t dared hope for was happening.

  He’d known the minute he’d seen Jessi, way back at Graham’s funeral, that he was attracted to her. The time they’d spent together had only solidified that fact. But convention and their own agreement had kept him from considering a relationship a possibility.

  Now it seemed they were both on the same page. He sighed again, thinking of the responsibility of formally being Jessi’s Dominant, and he realized that it was precisely what he wanted.

  He nodded to himself. “This is right.” Dousing the candles, he pushed away from the table, checked the dying embers of the fire, and followed Jessi inside.

  For more Bites by Pandora Spocks, visit her at https://bookandmainbites.com/PandoraSpocks

  If you loved this Bite, read For Sparrow on Amazon and iBooks

  About Pandora Spocks


  Pandora Spocks is a sassy ginger and hopeless romantic. She lives her Happily-Ever-After in south Florida with the Love of her life, plus one large German shepherd and two regular-sized cats. She loves reading and writing steamy love stories.

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  Kissing Bishop

  Sawyer Bennett

  I just propositioned a man.

  In a bar.

  Now we’re headed—hand in hand—across the dark parking lot toward his car. I know this is the point where I should probably start wondering if I just agreed to a one-night stand with a serial killer. Will my naked body be found in a ditch or perhaps a dumpster?

  But no… with every fiber of my being, I know Bishop won’t hurt me.

  It’s the same way I just know I’ll be screaming his name in ecstasy tonight, over and over again.

  “Hey. Wait a minute.” He comes to an abrupt stop, giving a slight tug on my hand so I do the same. His deep voice rumbles with concern. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  I tilt my head to look up at him. His handsome face is partly shadowed, but I’m close enough I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. I hadn’t expected him to be the one to get cold feet.

  “Why are you worried about it?” I ask curiously. “I’m not drunk. I hope you can see I’m a fairly intelligent, reasonable woman who is progressive and openminded when it comes to sex.”

  Those sexy-as-hell lips quirk in amusement. “While I certainly appreciate that you’re openminded about sex, I just want to hear it one more time from that beautiful mouth.”

  “Hear what?”

  “That you won’t have regrets about this in the morning.”

  “What does that matter?” I ask with an amused laugh. “We both know this is only a one-night thing. You won’t be around to see if I have regrets, so why even let it bother you?”

  “Because it does,” Bishop says softly. “I know this is a hookup. You’re not my first, and you won’t be my last, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

  Okay… that right there.

  I’m not prepared for the way that makes me all gooey inside. There’s no doubt he means what he just said. No one can fake that type of genuine concern, and damn if it doesn’t touch me. But truthfully, it also makes me uneasy. I don’t like either feeling because they could potentially cause me to have regrets.

  The way through a successful one-night stand is to go in and come out without any emotional entanglements. I have to keep my heart out of it. Surrender myself over to the age-old desires of want and need. Let my body loose to have all the fun tonight. It’s the only way I’ll be able to look at myself in the mirror tomorrow morning and still manage to feel good about my wanton ways.

  Shoring up my resolve, I step into him and place my hand on his chest. I rub my thumb over his sternum, feeling the steady thump-thump of his heart beating underneath. “Let’s not talk about regrets anymore.”

  Bishop’s eyes bore into mine for a long moment as he seems to be considering my suggestion. When his mouth curves into a faint smile of acceptance, he slides his hand along the side of my neck. Goose bumps prickle in its wake as his fingers curl behind my head. His thumb grazes along my jaw in a slow, sensuous caress that makes my blood start to hum.

  “No more talk of regrets,” he agrees. The words come out in a low, hunger-filled growl. My pulse races as his hand tightens ever so slightly on my neck. In an achingly slow move, he lowers his mouth to mine.

  My lips part in anticipation. I just know this is the type of man who is going to suck me into a maelstrom of physical need with a simple kiss. There will be no turning back.

  No time to for misgivings.

  With my entire body locked and tight, ready to brace against the sexual power of this man, I curl my fingers into his shirt. My fist presses hard into his chest just as his lips brush against mine. The first touch is electric. My eyes squeeze shut, and I inhale sharply as he does nothing but whisper a kiss so soft against my mouth that I wonder if it’s a dream.

  When a tiny moan of need slips out of me, he chuckles low in his throat before pressing his mouth more firmly against mine.

  Oh, yes… that’s what I need.

  My mouth parts to accept his offering, wondering just how badly he’s going to destroy me with his kiss.

  It’s commanding and soft at the same time. Filled with confidence. It says he knows exactly what I want, and he’ll give it to me in just the right way.

  Bishop snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. His hand at my neck holds me immobile, leaving me no choice but to take what he’s giving me.

  When his tongue finally touches mine, stars burst behind my eyelids. Oh, God… The pleasure is so intense my legs start to shake.

  Just from a freaking kiss.

  Bishop’s kiss.

  He pulls away all too quickly for my senses, taking a whimper from me as he goes. I could happily stand out in this parking lot all night just to kiss this man. When my eyes flutter open, I find him staring at me intently.

  “Wow,” I murmur, releasing my death grip on his shirt to bring my hand to my mouth. When I trace my bottom lip with a fingertip, I’m amazed by the tingles he’s left behind.

  And I realize something very unsettling.

  I’m absolutely going to have regrets after this night. From this point forward, I’m going to regret kissing any other man because something inside me knows it’ll never compare to what I just felt from those blissful moments with Bishop’s mouth on mine.

  Sucking in a shaky breath, I let it out and raise my gaze to his. I flash the most confident, sexy smile I can manage, praying he can’t see the uncertainty in my eyes. I think if he does, he’ll call this off because while I don’t know this man very well, I inherently trust he wouldn’t want to hurt me.

  And while regrets already tug at me, I sure as hell don’t want him to walk away. Regardless of what I may feel later, I’m going to leave here with amazing memories I don’t plan to give up for anything.

  “Your place or mine?” I ask.

  For more Bites by Sawyer Bennett, visit her at https://bookandmainbites.com/sawyerbennett

  If you loved this Bite, read Bishop: An Arizona Vengeance Novel on Amazon and iBooks

  About Sawyer Bennett

  Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

  More from Sawyer Bennett

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  Romantic Suspense

  Don’t Be Gentle…

  Chelle Bliss

  He’s a welcome distraction. The more I think about it, when he’s with me, I rarely feel the panic I do when I’m alone. Maybe his calm ways keep me grounded and strong. Either way, I know I like it.

  “I wish you could see yourself right now.”

  I blink a few times, caught off guard, and drag my eyes to his. “I don’t think so.”

  “Your skin is glistening in the light and is the palest shade of pink. You look stunning.”

  I want to protest. I feel like shit, and most likely, I look like it too. But I just say, “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.”

  He walks toward me, eyes glued to mine, and holds out his arms. I blink a fe
w times and wonder if I’m seeing things. When I realize he’s waiting, I run to him. Tucking myself into his chest, I wrap my arms around him and squeeze him tightly.

  My flesh breaks out in goose bumps as he strokes the back of my neck. “Can I get you anything?” he asks into my hair.

  My arms loosen so I can glance up at him. Bruno just makes everything better. He makes me feel normal even though I know nothing is. “Make me forget for a few hours.”

  The palms of his hands slide to the side of my neck before he cups my face in his hands. The eyes I’d been so scared of before change. They darken. “That I can do, beautiful.”

  Just like the times before, he picks me up in his arms and carries me toward the bedroom, peppering my face with kisses as he walks. I don’t have any fears, no worries that I am about to sleep with a man everyone fears.

  When he places me on the bed and straddles me, I feel nothing but peacefulness. Everything fades away except for his weight on my body and the feel of his lips on mine. His mouth touches me with tenderness, almost as if I’m breakable.

  But I don’t want tenderness. I don’t want to remember how fragile I really am. I want him just as I imagine he is—rough.

  “Bruno,” I moan between kisses. “I don’t want you to be gentle.”

  “I know what you need.” He places his mouth over mine, stopping me from talking anymore. I don’t want to talk. I want to feel.