Gnomes of Suburbia by Viola Grace Page A

her gnomes charged forward with high cries and grabbed the sphere. In a stampede of tiny feet, they moved around the house to the backyard, leaving the humans gaping after them in bemusement. “What do you think they are going to do with it?"
    He got to his feet with a groan. “I have no idea, but if they take it far away, I am happy to have it gone. How long do you think you can hold that power bubble?"
    "The power is now out of me. I can hold it forever as long as no one drains it.” She took the hand he extended as he climbed the steps.
    As he pulled her to her feet, their bodies collided and magic flared.
    The colors of their magic clashed in an explosion of fire and light, Abby abandoned herself to it and let her power flow. She backed up, dragging Xander with her, and manoeuvred him into her house, all without breaking the lip lock that had them plastered against each other from chests to toes. Abby regretfully broke the kiss to murmur, “The door.” Then returned to the heaven of his lips parting hers so that their breath mingled and power collided.
    Another thought distracted her and she pulled away again, “Maybe we should put a chair up against it? The gnomes are nosey.” This time his right hand came up to hold her mouth to his as his left hand controlled some of the power and slammed the door. The screech of a chair being dragged across the floor had her smiling against his lips while he took care of his next goal.
    That goal appeared to be to divest her of her t-shirt and bra. He went after it like she was hiding the Caramilk secret between her breasts. How he got her shirt off without breaking his contact with her skin would remain one of her great mysteries, but as he trailed his mouth down her neck and she let her head drop back to allow him full access to her flesh, she was happy for a few things to remain unexplained.
    Her bra stymied him. For about ninety seconds. Then the hooks released with a click and she had the inkling that he cheated. Power drizzled down her spine and her nipples hardened as he slid her bra down off her arms and onto the floor. Her skin prickled in delight as he trailed his fingers over her breasts and across her ribs.
    This was wonderful and his attention to detail was truly commendable, but she wanted him inside her. Now. Her fingers tackled his belt buckle and he returned the favour by unsnapping and unzipping her jeans. He had more success than she did and he pushed his fingers into the opening, scooting the denim off her hips as his fingers searched out and found her center. A few short and rapid strokes and the end was upon her. She came in a rush of moisture and power. Her knees gave way and Xander finally got her attention. He groaned with desire and she drowsily looked up to face the lust in his eyes.
    It was his turn.
    Magic stripped them both in a second and then he was bearing her back to the couch. She fell back with her thighs parted and waited breathlessly as he rocked against her, the heat and moisture from his flesh searing hers. Through the mist of hormones and swirling energy, she had a thought, “Whoa! Condom, Xander."
    A darker flush mantled his already tight skin and his jeans hit him in the side of the face as he summoned them. The ubiquitous condom in the wallet was produced and he rolled it on with economical movements. Dressed for battle, he retook the field.
    Her body was waiting for him and, as he moved back between her thighs, she hooked an ankle around the small of his back. “Xander, I want you now.” It was all the encouragement that he needed. A sharp thrust brought him into her halfway and she gasped in surprise at the feel of it. Okay, she was a bit out of practice.
    "Are you all right?” He was frozen above her, half in, half out, his arms trembling with the urge to finish what he started.
    "I am just out of practice, is all. Continue.” She tried to encourage him with her hips, but he was having none of it.
    "I think we need to switch