THE CRADLE CONSPIRACY by Robin Perini Page B

through Raven nearly buckled her knees. It wasn’t right, though. She had no business feeling this way. She didn’t even know him.
    He sidled up to her. “How much did you hear?”
    She couldn’t meet his gaze, and his proximity sent a shiver up her spine. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. And it was just the last few sentences. Something about not going home and loving the girls. I thought you might have kids.”
    “I was talking about my sisters.”
    “That’s great. I mean, it must be nice to have siblings.” She groaned, sinking onto the bed, burying her head in her hands. “Just hog-tie me and shut me up before I make an even bigger fool of myself.”
    He tilted her chin up. “I’m flattered,” he said, his smile gentle. “Now, dig into the sack, and you’ll find enough chocolate to distract you.”
    “Why would that help?”
    “According to my sisters, it’s a universal girl thing.” He shrugged.
    “I don’t remember, but I’ll take a chance.” She opened the bag, and a sweet smell wafted from inside. She inhaled and her stomach grumbled. Chocolate chip. She lifted out one warm cookie, took a bite and closed her eyes, moaning in pleasure. “I think we have a winner. This is amazing.” She pinched off a small bite, holding it to his lips. “Try it.”
    “Hondo has rules...”
    “Then we won’t tell him,” she whispered. “But this cookie is orgasmic.”
    At the words, her shocked gaze captured his equally stunned one.
    His eyes darkened, and Raven’s breath stuttered. “I mean, it’s really, really good.”
    “Then I’ll definitely have some.” His tone deepened, he leaned forward and snagged the morsel from her fingertips, licking off a small bit of chocolate that clung to her skin.
    She cleared her throat. “Best thing you ever tasted. Right?”
    With a run of his tongue across his lips, he stared at her. “Yeah, and the cookie’s not half-bad, either.”
    She bit her lower lip. “I want to—” Before her brain stopped her, she pressed her lips to his mouth, and her body leaned into him.
    Daniel didn’t resist. His arm snaked around her waist and tightened his hold, drawing her to him. He took over, parting her lips, exploring her mouth, holding her captive with his caress.
    Lord, he could kiss.
    Forget chocolate. She had a whole new favorite taste. Raven wrapped her arms around his neck and held him closer, taking the kiss even deeper.
    The room faded away until all she knew was his touch, his scent, his passion. She nipped at his lower lip, wanting even more, rocking against the hardness pressing into her belly.
    With a growl he eased back. “This is a bad idea,” he said softly.
    “I don’t care,” she whispered against his mouth. And she didn’t. She just wanted to feel. This crazy heat that was going through her was something she wanted to know more about. She couldn’t believe she’d ever felt anything like what Daniel made her feel.
    Surely I’d remember something like this.
    Ignoring his intended retreat, she held his face in her hands and kissed him again, reveling in the lightning that sparked from her core, up through her breasts. She pushed them against his chest to ease the ache.
    “Wow. Where has this feeling been all my life? I like it!” She couldn’t stop the words and bit her lip. “The doctor said frontal lobe injuries often reduce inhibitions a bit. Is this what he meant?”
    A small growl escaped from deep inside Daniel’s chest. “I don’t know.”
    “Well, I certainly hope so.” She clutched at his shirt and tugged him closer.
    Suddenly his phone vibrated on the table with an insistent hum. Daniel let out a long, slow breath. “I hate phones.”
    He clicked Talk and dragged it to his ear. “Adams.” His voice came out husky.
    Raven leaned in to listen.
    “You two okay?” Sheriff Galloway asked. “You sound funny.”
    “We’re fine.” Daniel put his arm around Raven. “We’re holed up in the motel. By the way, thanks for paying