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The MFRW Steam hop is a monthly event hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Focused on authors who write spicy or erotic fiction, it’s a chance to connect with readers who like their romance to sizzle! There’s lots of steamy, spicy goodness on display. Check it out here: http://mfrwsteam.blogspot.com.

What comes next after that first night of passion? Awkward excuses and a hasty retreat? Can you relax into sleep with this unfamiliar body beside yours? Is your partner a cuddler, a blanket thief, or even–heavens forbid–a snorer?

In this scene from Christmas Rekindled, bartender River and server Charlie (Charlotte) have just shared their first hot night–so hot, in fact, that she’s dropped into a deep sleep. River, meanwhile, is wide awake.

Charlie was such a quiet sleeper, it was kind of freaky. Not much of a cuddler, either. Three times during the night, River awoke, sure she’d slipped away home. But no—warm and solid, she slumbered beside him, her hair spread across the pillow, mouth slightly open, the rise and fall of her chest the only sign of life—until he wrapped his arm around her. With a mumbled protest, she flung her elbow and jabbed his solar plexus.

“Oof. Okay then.” He scooted away and nestled into his pillow. Grinning, he watched her in the snow-magnified moonlight. So beautiful, with her perfectly straight nose catching the silver light like a blade and her long lashes fanned across her cheeks. He’d hoped they’d end up in his bed, but he had no idea their union would unleash this fountain of emotion burbling through his body and soul.

All it took was Charlie’s strong thighs around his waist, and the rest of the world fell away. No past, no future, nothing but a silken rope of light and heat that wound round and round his heart and mind, binding him to her. And when he finally plunged his grateful cock inside her body, the pearly gates opened and the freakin’ angels sang hallelujah. So responsive, she vibrated on a frequency that blended perfectly with his and created a new note, strong and clear and true.

How did she do it? How did they do it? He and Marla—

No, he wasn’t going to think about Marla now, wouldn’t allow grief to deflate this shining bubble of bliss. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, inhaling Charlie’s sweet, spicy scent—cinnamon breath and flowery shampoo and sated, musky woman. He wanted to remember that scent, to distill it and bottle it and serve it in a cocktail that would intoxicate the whole world.

He opened his eyes. She shifted soundlessly, and one perfect, tear-shaped breast escaped the covers, creamy and pale in the moonlight, the dark nipple relaxed and soft. A few hours ago, those nipples were hard enough to etch glass. His lips twitched. His mouth watered. Moving with careful slowness, he extended his forefinger and traced the soft curve.

“Mmmph.” Her hand flew and smacked his nose hard enough to draw tears. She rolled over, giving him her back.

“All right, all right. Jeez.” He rubbed the sore spot. “Don’t touch when you’re sleeping.”

But he couldn’t resist for long. He tiptoed two fingers across the mattress and nestled them beneath the warm curve of her hip. Not the full-body contact he craved, but good enough. His heavy lids drifted shut, and he sank into slumber.

If you haven’t yet read Charlie and River’s Christmas love story, what are you waiting for? Get your copy today! https://books2read.com/b/3JjPxP

May your December bring joy, laughter, and lots of steamy romance!