Chapter 8

The next day, Michael woke up late. After completing his morning routine, he headed downstairs.

Emma and Maggie were sitting on the kitchen counter, laughing and giggling as they braided Sabrina’s hair into long pigtails.

“What do you think, Uncle? Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Emma asked.

Sabrina glanced over her shoulder in surprise. Her eyes widened when she saw Michael standing at the foot of the stairs.

“I think Sabrina always looks beautiful,” Michael said solemnly. “But I like this country girl style. It suits her.”

Maggie beamed at him. “I knew you were an intelligent man the moment I found out you wrote the Werewolf Vigilante books.”

To Sabrina’s amazement, Michael actually blushed at the compliment—much to Maggie’s delight.

“What made you decide to become a writer?” Maggie asked, an endless well of curiosity.

“I remember being a kid, obsessed with creating my own characters. I even had imaginary friends,” he said with a shrug. “I guess I’ve always had a big imagination and a creative mind.”

“So ... still a child at heart?” Sabrina teased.

“I’ve grown up,” Michael replied, “but that kid is still in there.”

Then he tilted his head toward her. “What made you decide to be a vet?”

“I think most little girls want to take care of animals at some point. I just never grew out of it. Plus, there are so many farms around here—I knew I’d never be out of work.”

“Why did you choose to write about a vigilante?” Maggie asked again.

“That’s a tricky one,” Michael admitted. “I think vigilantism becomes tempting when the legal system fails. My character punishes criminals the law couldn’t touch. He only kills in self-defense, but it’s still a gray area. It’s about trying to bring justice when justice fails.”

Sabrina chuckled softly. “Okay, time to give Michael a break. He answered enough questions last night.”

She grabbed both girls gently by the arms and started ushering them out of the room.

“It’s a sunny day. Maggie, why don’t you take Emma to The Jammed? I’m sure Tony will love to meet her.”

“Who’s Tony?” Emma asked.

“He’s the chef. Actually, he’s really cool,” Maggie said. “And he makes an amazing cheesecake.”

“I love cheesecake!” Emma exclaimed.

The girls whispered something to each other, giggled, and ran out of the house, leaving Michael and Sabrina alone.

Sabrina glanced at him and shook her head with a smile as the door clicked shut.

“Where are your parents?”

“At work,” Sabrina said. “Do you like white chocolate strawberry cookies?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had them,” Michael replied.

“Oh, then you’re in for a real treat. They’re delicious. I have a bit of a sweet tooth,” she said playfully.

“So do I,” Michael said with a grin.

“Well then,” Sabrina said cheerfully, “we’re going to get along so well.”

“I think so too. I like you.”

Sabrina’s breath caught, her heart fluttering at the words. It was exactly the right thing to say. She walked toward him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. I like you too.”

Michael cleared his throat. “Your father suggested Emma and I stay here for a while.”

“I heard,” she said, then added softly, “Is that all right with you?”

He gave her a crooked smile. “Yes, it is. I think Emma’s going to like it here. She and Maggie really hit it off. I don’t think I could tear those two apart.”

“Is that the only reason you want to stay?”

“Well,” he said, grinning, “I’d love to spend more time with a certain vet I’ve got my eye on.”

“Sounds good to me. The vet likes big animals,” Sabrina teased back.

She was really enjoying Michael’s company. The grumpy, reserved man she’d met had turned into someone warm and affectionate. Lately, he had been a genuine pleasure to be around.

They sat in the kitchen for a long while, eating breakfast in companionable silence. Occasionally, they exchanged glances, each waiting for the other to speak. Every time Sabrina caught the soft smile playing on his lips, she felt the urge to kiss it.

Finally, Michael said, “You’re a gorgeous woman, Sabrina Olson.”

She found herself smiling in return. She had thought the man was handsome from the first moment she laid eyes on him, but now—with laughter sparkling in his eyes and lifting the corners of his mouth—he was so much more than simply handsome. He was breathtaking.

“You’re not bad yourself, Michael Blakesley.”

He stood and stepped closer to her. She didn’t move. She could almost feel his breath against her skin—warm, moist, intimate.

Snatching her wrist, he pulled her up into his arms. She barely had time to gasp in surprise before his mouth claimed hers.

It was no soft, tentative kiss. Michael had wanted to kiss her so badly he couldn’t have been gentle, even if he tried. His kiss was demanding—a taking. He ravaged her mouth, forcing her lips open, thrusting his tongue inside. His entire body clenched at the taste of her. She was just as hot and sweet as he had imagined.

And she was just as willing. Well, not at first. For a moment or two, Sabrina remained stiff and still in his arms. Then she let out a groan of surrender and melted into him, her body molding itself to his. Her breasts pressed against his chest as she slid one arm around his neck and tilted her head to better meet his kiss. The small shift only intensified Michael’s desire.

Sabrina had been kissed many times before, but never like this—with this heat, this raw need. Nothing had ever exploded through her like the electricity she felt with Michael.

He released her wrist and wrapped his arms around her, his hands sliding down the curve of her back to her firm, heart-shaped bottom. He cupped her there, lifted her against him until they were pressed groin to groin.