The Desert Prince's Proposal. Nicola Marsh

the minute he responded by parting his lips a fraction she deepened the kiss, eager to taste him, to tease him, to drive him wild with wanting.

      As much as she wanted this kiss, as much as she wanted him.

      Fire streaked through her body as their tongues touched, tentatively at first, before growing more eager, more demanding.

      He tasted of the sweet strawberries dipped in chocolate they’d shared for their picnic dessert, an intoxicating combination she’d never forget.

      Sam infused her with sensations she’d never dreamed possible. She wanted to taste him, to feel him, to hear him moan her name…

      He groaned and slid his fingers into her hair, pushing her hard up against the balustrade as he showed her exactly how much their attraction was mutual.

      Bria had no idea how long they stood there, mouths frantic, bodies entwined, but the moment he broke the kiss reality came crashing down with a finality that left her more breathless, if that were possible.

      She’d thrown herself at him.

      She’d practically devoured him.

      What had she been thinking?

      Racking her brain for the right words, for any words, she gnawed at her bottom lip.

      ‘You do not need to say anything,’ Sam said, placing a finger against her lips for an all-too-brief moment, before dropping his hand.

      Cursing her ineptitude with men, she said, ‘Sam, I—’

      ‘We will meet again. Trust me.’

      Shaking her head, she said, ‘You’re a very confident guy, but I have to disagree with you on this one.’

      He shrugged and she fisted her hands to prevent herself from reaching out and feeling those broad shoulders one last time.

      ‘Then let us agree to disagree. Shall we return to the hotel now?’

      Hating that the inevitable moment had finally come, Bria squared her shoulders and looked him straight in the eye in the same way she’d faced any unpleasant situation for as long as she could remember.

      ‘I’d rather head back alone, if that’s okay with you?’

      He inclined his head in a strangely formal gesture. ‘As you wish.’

      Taking a steadying breath, and battling an annoying burning at the back of her eyes, she said, ‘Take care. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Melbourne.’

      His eyes glittered with pleasure, and she took a small step back to stop launching into his arms again.

      ‘I most certainly did. Thank you for spending time with me.’

      ‘It was fun.’

      Fun? Fun? Could she be any more understated if she tried?

      ‘Farewell, Bria Green.’

      He took her hand and bent over it, placing a soft, lingering kiss on the back of it, and she sighed, wishing she could prolong this moment for ever.

      ‘Bye, Sam.’

      Smiling into his handsome face for the last time, she couldn’t fathom his triumphant expression or the mysterious gleam in his chocolate eyes and, forcing her legs to move, she walked away.

      Her kitten heels tapping against the polished veranda-boards echoed in the eerie silence, and she willed herself not to look back despite the overwhelming urge to do just that.

      ‘This is not goodbye,’ Sam said, his tone sure and commanding, and her steps faltered as a shiver ran up her spine.

      She might not believe in fate or premonition, or any of that stuff, but in that second, with the taste of Sam lingering on her lips and the precious memories of their brief time together in her heart, she almost wished she did.