Sweet Heat Rising (Thoroughbred Men Series) by Ginny Sterling Page A

stood, and held out his hand. She delicately placed her hand in his and stood. She watched as he dropped a kiss on her nose and whispered, “Our night isn't over yet, Cinderella,” and wrapped his arm around her waist escorting her out of the restaurant.
    They drove by the bakery and she checked her app again. Nothing. Matt drove through town, got on the highway and headed towards the theater a few exits up the road. She watched as he  parked, hopped out and ran over to her door. He held it open while she stepped out and he again placed his arm around her waist. Sarah sighed. It felt so good to have him there and to just hold her. They walked up, ordered their tickets and stepped inside. Just before the movie started, she check her phone again out of curiosity, frowned and put it away. Nothing.
    They watched the movie together and he laughed when she jumped in fear. In turn, she swatted at him for laughing at her. They just enjoyed being together. He had lifted the arm on the seat between them so they could sit together. Sarah adored feeling his arm around her shoulders.
    After the movie, he glanced at his watch and announced that he probably needed to be getting her back home soon due to it getting late in the evening. He still was not ready for the evening to end and had spent most of the movie watching her profile in the dim theater. She had the loveliest smile and he wanted to make her happy.
    “I know, I know” Sarah said with an embellished sigh. “I really have enjoyed tonight. Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed,” she said gratefully. It was like he read her mind. Dinner was wonderful, the movie distracted her and let her escape from her thoughts, and now it was time to rest so she could face all the worries and fears again tomorrow.
     
     
     
     
    15
     
    Matt drove her home in silence. His emotions were conflicted. He felt concerned about her, and felt helpless that he could not do more for her. He wanted to make love to her. He wanted to protect her. He wanted to help where he could, but didn't want to overstep any boundaries or make any mistakes with Sarah.
    To him, she seemed to be as interested. She was magic to him and made him lose control like nothing else ever had. He could not stop thinking of her and it seemed so natural and effortless just being with her. They just ‘fit’ like two puzzle pieces.
    As he pulled up to Sarah’s condo, he noticed something in her yard. Sarah did too. “What is that?” she said to him, noticing several colored spots on her lawn and up the concrete pathway to the landing of the condo. Sarah wondered if her yard had been ‘papered’ by kids in town now too? At this rate, she felt she needed to buy a Powerball ticket because Karma was bound to swing her way eventually!
    “Stay here,” Matt said and got out of the car. He walked into the small yard of grass, knelt down, straightened back up and came back to the car quickly. As he got inside, he locked the doors and called the police on his cell phone.
    “What’s going on?” Sarah said panicked, and started to open the door. She felt him grab her arm aggressively to stop her. She swatted at his hand, panic setting in quickly. She knew he wasn't Josh but the way he moved, instinct took over and she tried to get away. Her buckle held her tight.
    Matt released her immediately at the panicked movements, thinking he might have hurt her. He was trying to make sure she didn't leave the car and head up to the door. “Sarah just please stay in the car! - Yes, police? I think there has been a break in at my girlfriend’s home.” He held his hand up at her for her to give him a second while he talked to the station on the phone.
    Sarah hesitated and comprehended what she just heard him say over the phone. “What?” Sarah screeched, and looked around wildly. What was in the yard? How did he know that someone had broken in? She could not see much in the darkness and the lamplight from the front porch was