saying it. She threw her arms around O.E. "You can keep
calling me Bec."
O.E.'s squeezed her back. "Whoa! I didn't expect that.
I'm very impressed."
"And I, in turn, am impressed with the smells coming
from the kitchen."
He inhaled slowly. "Thank you. I hope you like spicy
food. I've made a few of my favorite Chinese dishes. Hunan
chicken and eggplant with garlic sauce. Come, let's toast to
our mouths-mine able to function again and yours as
exciting as ever." He wrapped an arm around her waist and
led her to the bar.
O.E. pointed at the gin and tonic bottles. Rebecca
nodded, and he mixed a drink for her, then made a neat
bourbon for himself.
O.E. eyed Rebecca carefully as he handed the glass to
her, never breaking contact. They continued to peer at each
other, clinked their glasses in unison, and drank.
Kiss him now. Rebecca could feel the magic in the air.
She set her glass down and reached out to touch his jaw,
gingerly at first, in case he was still sensitive. He took her
hand, held it firmly against his face, then kissed her palm.
Rebecca brought her other hand up to frame his rugged
jaw. "So are you completely healed? How far can you open
your mouth?"
O.E. glowed like a comedian about to deliver a punch
line. "This far. . ."
He grabbed her and held her close, their lips an inch
away for a fraction of a breath. Then he dropped down and
landed on her mouth, his kiss soft and warm. Rebecca's eyes
shot open. She grabbed him harder, clutching at his body as
if it were a life preserver. His earthy, lemon scent filled her
head.
They let their lips play for a long time, flying and
skipping, heating up. Tongues came out to join the fun,
raising the temperature even more. They fell under each
other's spell, nibbling, sucking, and devouring.
Yes, still great kisses. This is going to be good. Rebecca
wanted him, but the smell of food distracted her. She
hesitated in his arms, releasing her grip ever so slightly. O.E.
must have noticed, because he relaxed too and pulled back
a few inches.
"I could strip you naked and eat you for dinner." His
voice rumbled through her body. "But I've made something
else to eat, so I'm going to save you for dessert. I've waited
two weeks-I can wait another half hour."
He started for the kitchen. "I'll be right back."
She followed him in and admired the clutter-
simmering pots and pans, torn bags, utensils and mixing