First Kiss Friday – On the 12th Date of Christmas by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of contemporary romance On the 12th Date of Christmas.  Welcome Nikki!  Here’s the first kiss between Robin Sorenson and Jonas Aimes.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue tonight. I felt so much better when you showed up.”

He pulled her into his arms again. “I’m glad I called when I did. Are you tired? Want me to tuck you in?”

Robin laughed and socked him gently on the arm. “You’re funny. You’ve changed, Jonas. I like this side of you.” A wave of longing and past regret slammed into her. Why couldn’t he have been more like this before? She wondered what caused the change. She wanted to get used to this side of him, but the overly cautious side still warned her to keep her guard up.

“You said something the other night about how people change. It’s true that I can’t make up for our history, but I can try to show you what a future would be like if you gave me another chance. And by no means am I pressuring you. While I was away, I saw things that gave me a new perspective on life. And no, I’m not quite ready to talk about them yet, especially after tonight’s events, but I promise I will tell you more. Are you still ready for our first of twelve dates?” A grin spread across his face and his eyes sparkled with humor.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she replied. And she was. She had no idea what he had in store, but the surprise of it all kept her on her toes and made her wonder what kind of ideas he had rolling around in his mind.

Jonas leaned closer, his face just inches away. His eyes held so much emotion. “I’m glad. So am I. I should probably go and let you get some rest.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “But I’m not ready to let you go yet.”

Robin didn’t want him to let her go either. A nervous pang settled in her stomach. Damn, she was really not winning this battle of keeping her guard up with Jonas. But this new side to him- she couldn’t resist it. Before she knew it and could say anything, his lips found hers. So soft and gentle, he held her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. A moan escaped from deep within her throat and she pressed herself even closer to him.

Jonas pulled back and watched her carefully. “Are you okay? Is this-?”

She didn’t let him continue. Robin stopped his words with a kiss. She needed this, wanted this. So many memories rushed back. This was the Jonas that she had always wished she could find underneath his barriers that he’d kept up. This was what she longed for. Even if only for a moment, she was going to give in to that crazy whim to keep him near, to have a small taste of what could have been. Maybe of what could still be. Holidays were known for both small and big miracles, right? So why couldn’t she have this one thing?

She could. She just had to choose it. Choose to give in to what she felt.

Right now, she felt closer than ever to Jonas.

Heat bubbled below, igniting something in her that she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Jonas’s tongue plundered inside, parting her lips. She practically melted.

He pulled away again, letting out a deep sigh. His breaths were raspy, matching her own. She giggled, not even sure why.

“We should stop,” he said softly. The look of need never faded from his eyes.

She nodded, disappointed. He had a point. As much as she didn’t want him to stop, this wasn’t the right time or place for this. And it sure as hell took a toll on her conflicted emotions!

“Good night, Robin. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in a couple of days for our first date. And be careful.” Jonas leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek again before he pulled open the door and hurried outside to his car, turning to give her one last look.