They’re baaaaack*!

Ava and Connor’s weekly serial romance, Ardent, continues on with its tenth chapter, “Love Letters.” I have to admit, I fall a little more in love with this hero every time I work with him. He’s handsome, rich, titled…and none of that matters because his humility and genuine kindness outshine those shallow trappings**. Oh, Connor. ::meltysigh::

Here’s a little taste of this week’s installment:

“I didn’t even know to compare you to your sister—I thought the letters were by your hand. And yes, I suppose that’s partially why I assumed liberties I had not earned and kissed you.”

“Partially?”

He nodded, lifting her hands to strip them of their evening gloves and his left of his remaining one. He tossed them aside, the flimsy things, and quickly grasped her fingers in his once more. “But it was more the reality of you that led to our kiss. The letters were…intangible, hints of what could be rather than the truth of what was.”

Her shuddering intake of air gratified him no small amount. “And what was the reality of me, Connor?”

He did smile then, imbuing it with all the honest, wicked intent he possessed. Her hips lifting, her cries in his bed… His thumbs made slow, slow circles in her heated palms, and he bent his head until his breaths set the coffee-colored ringlet by her ear to fluttering. “The reality of you,” he whispered hotly, “is that you shine so bright, darkness will never enshroud me again.”

She gasped.

© by Edie Harris

Check back next week for more Ava and Connor!

*I’ve been assured their tropical vacation was filled with Sex on the Beach (both interpretations invited). Supposedly, no cabana boys came out to play; I assume this is because I wasn’t there, instead stuck at home with snowfall and strep throat. …Did I mention how much I need a vacation? Because I do. Like whoa.

**He’s way too good for me. My rebel soul [::snort::] would never appeal to a guy like Connor.