Page 29 of Stone

He looked up, then his eyes turned hooded. His gaze slowly ran down her body, then back up again.

“How was the shower?” he asked.

“Excellent. My feet are clean.” She pointed to the toes on one foot.

He patted the couch beside him. “Come here, and let me take a look at your face.”

She padded over and sat beside him. That’s when she saw the bruises forming over his ribs. “You’re hurt?”

“Took a hit. It’s not too bad. I’ve had a lot worse.” His lips quirked. “I just don’t heal as fast as I used to.” He reached over and gently touched her face.

“Mine isn’t too bad either. I mean, I haven’t had worse, but at least I don’t think I’ll end up with a black eye.”

“Ice will help.” He reached over to the coffee table, and she saw two ice packs sitting there. He grabbed one and pressed it to the side of her face.

Nola nabbed the other one, then pressed it against his bruised skin.

They were sitting close together, legs brushing. He was sitting there, big and strong. He’d fought for her. Protected her.

He’d put himself in danger for her.

Yes, one day Nola wanted the grand love, and marriage and babies, but today had showed her that none of that was promised.

Life could change in the blink of an eye.

What she wanted right now was Knox.

She wanted to feel close to him, explore him, feel pleasure.

She shifted one leg up on the couch, tugging the towel higher, and baring more of her thighs.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Today made me realize how important it is to live. To grab every moment.” She lifted her chin. “I want you.”

Something churned in his eyes. “Nola—”

“I don’t care about our age difference, or the idea of getting married one day. Right now, all I want is you. I want my hands on your body.” Nerves and desire mixed inside her.

He kept the ice pack pressed to her face, but she saw his other big hand curl into a fist in his lap.

“You’ve been through a scary situation today,” he said carefully.

She laughed wryly. “That’s one way to put it.” She shifted closer, as though she was being pulled to him. “If you think my judgment is clouded, forget it. If anything, everything seems clearer. I wanted you last night, and I want you now.” She lifted her chin. “I think you want me, too.”

“You make it damn hard to say no,” he growled.

“So, don’t. Just do what you want. Take what you want.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. Desire was stark on his rugged face. “Are you sure you’re ready for that, Sprite?”

“Yes.” She touched the spot where the corner of the towel was tucked and let it go. The towel fell to her lap.

His gaze moved over her bare breasts. “So damn pretty.”

He took the ice packs and tossed them aside. Then he cupped her breasts.

One of his hands was cool from the ice and she gasped. He played with the weight of her breasts, then his thumbs rubbed over her nipples.

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