“Popcorn?” she asked.

He smiled at her. “Sure. Want me to help you?”

“No. It’s microwave popcorn, so it’ll only take a minute. I’ll bring drinks for us, too.”

She hopped up and went into the kitchen, put the popcorn in the microwave, then poured sodas. She brought the sodas in and went back for the popcorn, retaking her seat next to him.

“You missed two murders while you were gone,” he said.

She laughed and grabbed a handful of popcorn. “Imagine that. Good thing I’ve seen this movie before.”

“So, you’re a fan of horror movies, too.”

“I didn’t say that. I said I’ve seen this one before. More than once.”

“Which makes you a fan.” He tossed a kernel of popcorn at her.

She picked it up and stuffed it down his shirt.

He grabbed her wrists and gave her a warning glare, laced with amusement. “You don’t want to start a fight you can’t win.”

Now that was a challenge she couldn’t back down from. “Good point.”

After he released her hands, she took a handful of popcorn, seemingly ready to put it in her mouth. When Carter turned his attention back to the movie, she stuffed the popcorn down the back of his shirt.

He jerked and grabbed the bowl, thrusting his hand in and grasping a bunch of popcorn, then shoving it under her shirt. She squealed, then immediately silenced herself, though by now she was laughing and there was popcorn all over the floor. It was a good thing Pokey, her parents’ dog, slept in her mom’s room, because he’d be having a feast otherwise.

Carter reached under her shirt and pushed the popcorn higher, making her laugh even more.

“Shh,” he said. “You’re going to wake your parents.”

She tried to stifle her laugh, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Then stop shoving popcorn down my bra.”

“Okay.” Instead, his hand moved, ever higher, cupping her breast over her bra. “Is this better?”

She stilled, her body warming to his touch. “Much.”

He pushed her up the sofa so her head rested on the cushioned arm, then covered her body with his. His lips met hers and popcorn wars were forgotten as she wrapped her arms around him and met his kiss with equal fervor.

The last time it was slow and easy, but now, she forgot everything, even the popcorn, as he crushed her lips and took her mouth with a passion that was overwhelming, heating her body to intense levels. She arched against him, feeling desire and Carter’s erection pressing against her, heightening her own need.

She wanted him. Right here, right now, and nothing was going to get in her way. She tangled her fingers in his hair, rewarded with his groan. Desire ratcheted up to unbearable levels.

Until Carter rose up and looked down at her, the desire etched across his face matching what she felt.

“You do know we’re in your parents’ living room.”

It took her a few seconds to catch her breath, to realize he had his hand under her shirt, cupping her breast, his thumb still sweeping back and forth across her nipple. Her heart was beating a crazy, out of control rhythm against the palm of his hand.

She swallowed to coat her desert-dry throat. “Well, now I do. I kind of forgot there for a minute.”

Carter heaved a sigh, adjusting against her, letting her feel the rock-hard proof of his need rubbing against her hip.

“So did I.” He sat up, then grasped her hand and pulled her to a sitting position.

Popcorn fell from her shirt, and several kernels landed in his lap, drawing her attention to his . . . situation.

She snorted out a laugh.

“Hey, now. You started this,” he said, scooping up the popcorn and dumping it into the bowl.

“I did. Unfortunately, we can’t finish it. Not here, anyway.”

“Yeah. That part sucks.”

With a reluctant sigh, she stood.

They picked up all the popcorn, including the pieces inside their shirts, which made each of them laugh. She took the bowl into the kitchen and dumped the contents into the trash and washed her hands.

“I think it’s time I left,” Carter said, placing his hands on either side of her hips where she rested against the kitchen counter. “Before we get in trouble again.”

She sighed. “It’s like being a teenager again. Living with my parents. Having to be quiet at night after they go to bed.”

“Not being able to have sex whenever you want to?” Carter added.

“Yes. Exactly that. Only I’m not seventeen anymore. And I’ve been independent for years, so this living at home thing is hard for me.”

He smoothed his hand over her hair. “I can’t even imagine what it must be like for you. I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “I’m here for my mom, and it’s temporary. It’s not like I’m suffering or anything.”

“Well, I’m suffering right now because of you.”

He looked down, and so did she. She laughed. “I think you’ll survive.”

“I don’t know. I might die from this.”

“Hardly.” She pressed on his chest. “Time for you to go.”

He cocked a grin, then pushed off the counter. She walked him to the front door, then stepped outside, lightly shutting the door behind her.

“Thanks for stopping by tonight, and helping me with the pumpkins.”

“Thanks for the popcorn.”

“Yes. I need to take a shower now and wash all the buttered popcorn and kernels off my body.”

He grabbed her shirt and pulled her closer. “Think how much more fun that would be if I were in the shower with you?”

“You are not helping my dilemma.”

“Hey, if I have to suffer, so do you.” He tipped her chin, then brushed his lips across hers.

She sighed into his salty, buttery-tasting kiss, then sagged against him, not wanting him to go, but having no other choice.

When he pulled away, his eyes were filled with the same regret.

“I’m going to think about you tonight when I’m taking my shower.”

Her body trembled. “You do that. And I’ll do the same.”

His lips quirked into a half smile. “Good night, Molly.”

“See you later, Carter.”

She headed into the house and turned off all the lights, then went into the bathroom. She pulled off her shirt, and there, nestled between her breasts, was a piece of popcorn.