Heat in the Kitchen Read Online Free PDF Page B

throbbed.
    *
    Matt was dog tired but knowing Ella was in the room next door was keeping him awake. His performance in there a short while ago had been on a par with his first youthful foray into sexual encounters. He'd seen plenty of naked women in his time, but none of them had been friends with his sisters. If only he could get past that barrier and treat her as he would another woman he fancied.
    He punched his pillow, hard, as if that would somehow make him feel better! It certainly changed the direction of his thoughts. Ella's behaviour had been strange. He'd definitely caught a glimmer of desire in her eyes. Why then had she gone all coy and embarrassed on him? It didn't make sense. It had certainly had him scuttling out of there as quick as his feet would take him. Back full circle, now he was thinking about his performance again.
    Just as he tossed himself over onto his front he heard movement from the guest suite.
    'What's the matter? Can I get you anything?'
    Ella jumped at the sound of his voice and blinked against the bright hall light Matt had just flicked on.
    She turned. 'My ha….' Matt was stood at the end of the hall with just a pair of lounge pants on. Ella could only gawp at him.
    He moved down the hall towards her and placing his forefinger under her chin, closed her mouth. He gave her a gentle smile. 'Can't sleep either huh?'
    'I… it's not what you think….'
    'No?' He cut in. 'And just what am I thinking Ella?' Matt inclined his head to one side.
    'Um,' Ella felt herself redden again. God, she hadn't blushed this much since she'd left school. She looked away and tried to calm her racing thoughts. When she was ready, she turned back to face him.
    'My hand's throbbing. I thought I might find some painkillers somewhere.'
    Matt groaned. His thoughts were in the gutter and Ella was in pain. Way to go Matt!
    'They're in the kitchen. Come on down and I'll look at the hand as well. I'm sorry, I should have done that earlier, but I wasn't really thinking….' He winced at his admission that he'd been distracted.
    As Ella sat in the kitchen waiting for Matt to return with his first aid kit, she realised how little she had on and shivered. Not just from the chill night air but also with anticipation and desire.
    'Here, keep this over your shoulders.' Matt placed a fleece blanket around her.
    'Thanks.' How had he known to bring that?
    For the next few minutes Ella concentrated on her hand as Matt sat opposite her to clean and redress it. When he'd finished he took the kit away and returned with painkillers and a glass of water.
    'I'm sorry.'
    Ella looked at him, confused.
    He indicated her hand. 'For my part in your hand. Not my finest moment!'
    Ella acknowledged his apology, surprised, but impressed that he'd made it.
    'Here, take a couple of these. They're strong so they should ease the pain and help you sleep.' He paused midway to handing them over. 'Oh, you're not allergic to anything are you?'
    'No. Thank you.' She took the glass from him and swallowed the pills down with a couple of mouthfuls of water.
    Matt smiled at her. 'You're welcome. I've put a cotton mitt over it to give it added protection and help the healing process. We'll see what it's like in the morning. It will probably still be a bit sore and tender but there shouldn't be any lasting damage.'
    He continued to stand there and hold her gaze. Now that there wasn't anything to concentrate on, the tension between them soared again. Matt gave in.
    'Ella.' He whispered her name as he gently pulled her up from the chair and drew her towards him. 'Maybe I wasn't altogether truthful earlier when I said I wouldn't jump you. I know I shouldn't do this, but I can't deny it again. I need to kiss you.' He lowered his head towards her, his breath caressing her lips. 'If you don't want this, you need to stop me, now.'
    Ella tipped her head so her lips brushed against his. Her breathing became faster as she anticipated his touch. At this moment, the part of her