The First Touch (Templer Series) Read Free

into a long sloppy t-shirt and boy shorts. I scrape my long hair into a clip pilling it into a pineapple knot on the top of my head. My fair eyelashes framing my green eyes are crying out for some mascara and definition so I indulge myself. Who cares if it’s only me who will notice?
    I hop, shuffle and hop again down my stairs needing coffee and some food. I’m famished , realising I haven’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday. Before I can get the coffee pot going, a sharp knock at the door makes me jump. Muttering to myself, I shuffle towards the front door. Who the hell is here at eight o’clock in the morning? Too early for the postman. I’m lucky if I see mail before midday most days.
    “Hang on…I’m coming!” I shout out.
    I swing the door open and stop dead. I open my mouth to utter a swear word but emptiness fills the air.
    “Morning.” He flashes me a huge smile and holds up a paper bag, thrusting it in my direction. I am aware I am still standing open mouthed and make every effort to not look like a fish. I don’t succeed.
    “ I wanted to check you were ok after yesterday. I brought breakfast as a bit of a softening blow to my…um…well, I thought you might like a bagel” he smiles again but sheepishly this time.
    “What the .. It’s eight o’clock in the morning!!” I’m exasperated and can feel anger flushing from my neck upwards into my face.
    “It’s just a bagel and another attempt to say sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you again. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come” He snaps sharply, his jaw tensing. He peeks at me through thick, black lashes and makes a turn to leave.
    Now I feel unduly rude, and uncomfortable, suddenly remembering my dream from earl ier. Again, I want him gone but find myself asking..
    “What’s in the bagel s or do they toasting?”
    “Smoked salmon and cream cheese. But I forgot the coffee. Sorry” He turns back toward me and cocks his head to the side, a small smile playing on his lips.
    “I can do coffee.” I fake huffiness and open t he door wider to let him squeeze past me.
    H e lowers his head to enter the door, brushing past me. I inhale deeply as we briefly touch and I feel the surge of electricity that I really don’t want to feel. The same earthy, musk scent of yesterday reaches my nostrils as I scuttle around him. I’m edgy again as I feel warmth in my stomach, pushing down to between my thighs, and I don’t want to feel this.
    “I – I – I’ll get the coffee pot on.” I stutter like a silly teenager. “Please sit, I won’t be long” I glance in his direction, taking in his height. I was right, about 6ft 2 inches. He’s dressed casually in distressed jeans and a white shirt, left hanging loose. It moulds itself across his wide shoulders emphasising the muscular framework underneath. His skin is golden tanned and a hint of shadowy stubble is etched on his square jaw. He is quite possibly the most beautiful man I have ever seen.
    I grind the coffee beans and flick on the kettle. Reaching for two mugs, I’m muttering to myself and shaking my head. I don’t care how beautiful you are. I need you gone, and soon. I turn to the fridge and almost jump out of my own skin as I swing into a solid chest. My breasts collide with him and I mentally berate myself for not wearing a bra at this very moment, my nipples suddenly twitching erect through my old t-shirt. It’s only in this flash moment that I realise that I’m only wearing boy shorts panties as well. Christ, I’m virtually naked in front of this stranger!
    “I didn’t mean to startle you…I thought you might want a hand. You’re still unsteady on your feet. Are you still in a lot of pain?”
    “It’s much better, thank you.” I mumble. “And I’ve just realised I’m not dressed fully” Fuck, did I just say that out aloud? I can feel the cringe creep across me but I feel welded to the spot.
    “Oh, I hadn’t noticed…..honestly” he laughs and as I peek up, I see his eyes