Time for a spicy, saucy snippet! This week I’m sharing a scene from Love, Art, and Other Obstacles, Book 3 in my Book Nirvana series. Two young artists—one prickly and independent, one cocky and flirtatious—compete for a prize that could jump-start their careers. Their surprise connection sizzles, but can he battle past her prickly defenses and prove he loves her as she is?  Opposites attract, rivals to lovers, chosen family, bisexual heroine.

Get your copy here: https://books2read.com/u/bar2RP

This scene shows us Elmer and Margot’s first kiss, after sharing beer and spicy snacks in the brewery where Elmer works.

Elmer slid his truck into a spot outside Margot’s apartment building, switched off the ignition, and sucked in a deep breath. Normally, he’d just ask for a good-night kiss. No big deal. But something about this tough little pixie urged caution and patience. Tonight, she’d loosened her armor just enough to glimpse the vulnerable softness beneath. If he wanted to see more, and he really, really did, he’d have to go slow.

He took her hand and paused. When she didn’t pull away, he raised it to his lips. But before he could make contact, she made a funny grunting sound deep in her throat, tugged him close, and planted a wet smooch right on his mouth, her lips as soft and succulent as a ripe peach. For a second he froze. Then lust stomped on the gas. He crushed her against his chest and claimed what she offered.

Rain pattered on the cracked windshield. In the darkness outside, the tires of passing cars hissed on wet asphalt. Inside, only the sound of their shallow breathing and the pounding of his heart, so damn loud she must surely hear it.

Without releasing her, he pulled back just far enough to gaze into her face. Her deep blue eyes gleamed under the streetlamp’s feeble light.

Her lips parted. “Wow, I uh…wow.” A deep blush painted her cheeks.

“Yeah, wow.” A tickly glow spread like spilled honey from his center, up to the roots of his hair and down to his toes. Cupping her jaw, he stroked his thumbs over her cheekbones. Her breath whispered against his wrist. He closed the distance and brushed his lips over hers. Her throaty sigh absolutely slayed him.

Twisting on the bench seat, he slid his arm around her delicate shoulders and pulled her closer, until her thigh was snugged against his, one heaven- soft breast pressed to his side. His groin tightened, and his primitive animal brain roared, Yes. This woman. This one.

A moan rumbled deep in her throat as her lips relaxed open. The velvety tip of her tongue coaxed him in, a dancing siren welcoming him into the cave of wonders. Or of danger. Who cared which. She tasted sweet, smelled like something flowery and fresh and utterly intoxicating. Her fingertips slid in hypnotic arcs over his chest, then moved to the back of his neck as her tongue danced around his.

When they came up for air, he murmured, “Sweet Jesus.”

“Mmmm.” She released her hold. “Never kissed a guy with a beard before. All night  I’ve been wondering what it would feel like.”

“And?” His hands glided up her ribs, thumbs caressing the spot where the swelling of her breasts began.

“Thought it would be scratchy.” She stroked  his jaw. “But it’s soft, tickly, warm.” She nuzzled his neck, nibbled the sensitive skin just below his ear. “I know it’s a cliché and all, but I seldom jump guys like this.”

“Not complaining.” Whisper-light, he slid his palms over the soft mounds. Beneath her shirt, her nipples hardened at his touch.

She arched into his caress. “This is not going according to plan.” Her words trailed off into a moan.

“What was your plan?” He squeezed gently. “Just, you know, a beer.” Her head lolled back.

“Conversation.”

“We had beer. Now we’re conversing.” The tip of his tongue trailed along her pale throat.

“Mmm.” Her hands slid beneath his T-shirt and stroked his back. “You’re an excellent conversationalist.”

His cock throbbed painfully as he tunneled beneath her tank top, reaching for the clasp of her bra.

With a sharp little hiss, she slithered out of his grasp.

Damn. Pushed it too far.

He raised both hands. “Sorry, Margot.”

She crossed her arms over her tempting, perky breasts and regarded him, head inclined. He itched under her scrutiny.

Finally, she chuckled. “Guess I started it.

Should I apologize?”

“Are you kiddin’ me? I could not be happier with the way this evening turned out.”

Her mouth scrunched to the side. “You must think I’m some kind of psycho who can’t make up her mind.”

“I think…” You’re exactly my kind of woman. Free, unafraid, passionate. He scooted closer and took her hand. She let him. “You’re—amazing. Thank you for tonight. When can I see you again?”

“Umm…” She evaded his gaze while she shrugged back into her worn leather jacket and retrieved her phone and keys, which had tumbled to the floor. “I have a lot going on this week.” Without waiting for his help, she popped the door open and hopped down. “I’ll text you, okay?”

And just like that, she trotted up the stairs to the second story of the rickety old apartment building. He watched her turn the key and let herself in. She didn’t look back. Not once. The porch light winked out.

He fell against the seat back with a thud. You’ll be hearing from me, Margot.

Thanks for reading! Want to see more spicy, steamy romance excerpts? Check out the other participants in the MFRW Steam Blog Hop. Are you an author of spicy romance? Join us!

Click here to iew this Linky Tools list…