Returning to the kitchen, he poured them both a glass of chilled Zinfandel.

Pleasance sipped her wine and made an appreciative face. "Not too many men will drink pink wine," she said with a smile.

Alfric grinned. "I'll drink anything that doesn't run away from my lips. And I noticed you liked it so..." he shrugged, leaving Pleasance to figure out all for herself that he was just being accommodating.

She liked that in a man.

Alfric set his wine glass down and headed toward the biggest refrigerator Pleasance had ever seen. Pulling it open, he stood staring at the contents with afrown on his face. The soft interior light of the refrigerator backlit his strong, handsome profile in a way that made Pleasance wish she had a canvas and some charcoal at her fingertips.

Pleasance decided to rescue him. Sliding down off of her stool she walked around the counter and stepped up next to him. "How about I cook breakfast?"

He glanced at her eagerly. "Are you sure? I cook a mean omelet."

"I don't mind. I like to cook. In fact, I put myself through art school as a chef at La Place."

Twin red arcs lifted on his face in surprise. "You're a chef?"

She nodded, trying not to let her pride in that skill show too much. "I am an artist. Cooking is definitely an art."

He grinned. "You're going to get along really well with my brothers."

Not sure how to take this statement, Pleasance turned away, and started pulling stuff out of the refrigerator. "Oooh Feta, real butter, eggs..."

She glanced up at him, excitement lighting her beautiful face. "Do you have fresh spinach by any chance?" Alfric sank into the sparkling blue eyes. He suddenly felt as if the two of them were in a bubble…separate from the rest of the world…and the place where they were was warm, and soft, and sexually charged. He took a step closer, lifting a hand to touch her warm, exquisitely soft cheek.

The blue eyes widened slightly as he stroked a finger down her cheek and slid it across her full, soft lips. "You are a beautiful woman, Pleasance Roberts."

She gulped, audibly, completely captured by the intense blue of his gaze. The finger on her lips was warm and smooth and she had a sudden urge to open her mouth and suck it in. He took a step nearer and his other hand settled at her waist. Pleasance felt warmth pooling between her thighs. Her nipples hardened under the cotton blouse. With a sigh, she gave in to the urge. She opened her mouth and let the finger slide between her lips. Closing her lips around Alfric's finger, she sucked gently, watching his eyes narrow on a jolt of pure sensual pleasure.

Alfric groaned and slid his arm around her narrow waist, pulling her lower body tightly against his. Sliding his finger from her mouth he lowered his lips toward hers. He stopped just before they touched, savoring the sweet nectar of her breath against his skin. His hands settled on her narrow hips and he rested his forehead on hers. When he spoke, his voice was husky with building lust, "Yes. I believe I do."

Pleasance blinked. She'd been so ready for his kiss she could already taste it. And her body was all but vibrating in anticipation of his touch. "You do?"

He nodded, lowering his head to lick her throat.

Pleasance almost growled. Her whole body convulsed in a lust saturated shiver. "You do what?" Her voice sounded so breathless she barely recognized it.

Alfric's hands slid up her sides, his thumbs grazing the undersides of her breasts on the way by, and around to her back. He caressed her back in gentle circles, creating heat and electricity against her skin. His teeth found an earlobe and nibbled gently. "Fresh spinach. I think I have some."

Pleasance jerked in surprise. She certainly hadn't been expecting that! "Oh. Okay." Feeling incredibly disappointed, she tried to take a step away, putting some much needed space between them. But her body wouldn't allow the distance. Her feet wouldn't move.

"I'm very hungry," Alfric told her as his lips touched her cheek and then traveled down to trace her jaw line.

He left behind tingling, sensitized skin wherever he touched.

Pleasance leaned into him, moaning softly as his warm mouth closed over her chin and he nibbled gently. "I should start cooking then, huh?"

Alfric's lips settled over hers, stopping just a hair's breadth away. "You already are." Then his lips touched hers and her world exploded into sensation. She didn't even notice when the small tub of Feta cheese hit the floor at her feet, quickly followed by the stick of butter she'd been holding.