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“Notthere.” Sadie gestured with her chin at Joan’s light-blue pajama bottoms. “Unless that’s a good spot.”

“It might be a good spot. For both of us.”

“Really?”

“I can direct heat where it’ll be most effective,” Joan promised.

“Mmm, nice. Or what about…” Sadie glanced up through her lashes. “Your heart? Unless that’s a bad place to store a bunch of fire. I’m not an expert.”

“Any spot is as good as another,” Joan said. “Although…” She tugged Sadie closer. “Some are better than others.”

“Try your heart,” Sadie whispered against her lips.

“Okay.” Joan brushed her nose over Sadie’s. “Let me know if anything feels too hot or off or uncomfortable and you need me to stop.”

They shared several languid kisses that only stoked the fire. Sadie giggled, then said, “This is the oddest safe sex talk I’ve ever had.”

Joan chuckled and heated in a different way—from slight embarrassment.

“I last saw my doctor a few months ago. Everything was fine. I haven’t slept with anyone since then.”

“I…” Joan cringed. “…can’t go to the doctor. At least not a proper doctor.”

Nodding, Sadie said, “Your lab results would be rather interesting.”

“I haven’t been with anyone in a while. I think everything’s okay.”

“Let’s hope so.” She tickled the skin beneath Joan’s top. “I want you so damn much, it’s become a taco emergency.”

Joan laughed loudly, her breath hitching at the end from how much she wanted this, too. “I’m here to take care of your emergencies.”

“And I’ll thoroughly fuss over you. Shit, why are we still talking? Get my clothes off.”

Laughter bubbled with her heat as she let Sadie drag her into the bedroom. Sadie didn’t seem to be bluffing to cover any fear or concern. But this desire was so sharp, so intense. What if Joan couldn’t contain it?

Try your heart.

Sadie sat them on the edge of the bed. Sunlight caught on her red hair, her luminous skin. The whole room was bathed in welcoming light.

Joan drew in a deep breath. She sent the swirling fire to her torso, then directed it toward her heart. It concentrated down, throbbing with each heartbeat.

Sadie cupped the sides of her face, drawing her in for a lingering kiss. She leaned back and smiled, so beautiful it should’ve been illegal.

Joan tangled her hands in Sadie’s thick hair, sharing kiss after kiss. Sadie tugged at the bottom of Joan’s tank top, saying, “We don’t need this anymore.”

Joan raised her arms to be freed. “Nope.”

She gave Sadie a moment to stare at her small breasts with keen hunger before pulling on Sadie’s T-shirt. Her breasts were lovely and full, little white stretch marks shimmering in the sun, rosy nipples awaiting attention.

Sadie wasted no time trailing her fingers across Joan’s nipples, sending tiny jolts through her chest. Her thumb grazed one tip, then circled it more deliberately.

Joan palmed Sadie’s left breast, kneading it, lifting it slightly for better access. A rainbow arched across one of her ribs. “Secret tattoo,” she noted with glee.

“That’s one,” Sadie breathed. She leaned in to press her lips against Joan’s pounding pulse point.

Sadie kissed and licked and nibbled down to Joan’s chest. Her heart stuttered as Sadie’s mouth took over for her hands. She toyed with Joan’s hardened nipple with her tongue, her teeth, teasing and tasting. Then she claimed the other breast.

A moan vibrated in Joan’s throat. She wanted to taste every bit of Sadie. She gently tweaked her nipples, rolling them between her fingers, until Sadie groaned.