Page 67 of A Whole New Play

The chemistry between us wasn’t easy to find, but I’d convinced myself I wasn’t in the right place to pursue any lasting relationship. And given the fireworks that sparked between us that night, I knew there was no way I wouldn’t try to make him my boyfriend.

But the cosmos… fate… God… whatever force influences people’s lives clearly had an interest in the two of us. What other explanation could there be for us meeting at that resort, but then also running into each other after I blew up my life and moved to Dallas to live with my dad?

Not to mention, the odds that Carter would need a nanny and I had the work experience to recommend me for the job?

These are the thoughts I ponder in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep, but I never let myself think about them in the daylight.

But now, I’m forced to admit that this thing between Carter and me is impossible to ignore. Some external force keeps forcing us together, and after months of trying to dismiss it, I give up. I don’t want to ignore it anymore. And based on the way Carter is kissing me, neither does he.

I release a tiny squeal when he lifts me by my waist. My legs wrap around him as he walks us into the living room. He turns and sits on the couch. I shift my legs so I’m straddling him. Our lips remain glued together.

Nips, moans, growls, and wanton caresses ensue. My fingers are in his hair, squeezing his biceps, and running down his arms. I feel his erection between my legs as I roll my hips. The pleasurable pressure makes me wet.

Carter finally breaks the kiss with a groan, “Fuck, Valerie.”

I grin seductively. “Not yet.” I roll my hips again, loving that I have the power to affect a man as impressive as Carter Jones like this. It’s intoxicating.

His lips move to my neck.

My toes curl as his teeth gently graze the sensitive flesh. “I want you, Val. I want you so bad I can’t fucking think when you’re around me.”

My stomach flutters. “Me either.”

His hand trails down my back, toying with the zipper of my dress. Between kisses, he asks, “May I?”

I nod, but nerves threaten to pull me from the lustful haze that descended the moment his lips touched mine. I breathe in through my nostrils and try to keep my hands steady. I don’t want Carter to feel them tremble. He might change his mind if he does. And I really don’t want that to happen.

Long fingers find the delicate zipper and gently guide it down. He kisses my neck. Once the zipper reaches the bottom, he slides the sleeves over my shoulders. I shimmy the material down to free my arms, resisting the urge to cover my bare breasts as the top of the dress gathers at my hips.

Dark brown eyes focus on my breasts with another growl. “You’re so fucking perfect.” His hands slide up the side of my ribs as he continues to admire my naked torso.

“Am I?” The insecure question is barely more than a whisper.

His eyes meet mine. There’s no mistaking the fiery desire swirling in his irises. “Valerie, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

My mouth lifts in a timid smile. “Well, that’s obviously not true.” He’s been around models and actresses for goodness sake. I’ve seen the pictures. I have nothing on those women.

A hand snakes up and rests against the back of my neck. “Are you calling me a liar?”

Not exactly.

“No,” I say slowly. “Just that?—”

Carter cuts me off with a hard kiss. He pulls back before I can lose myself in the kiss and growls, “Let’s get one thing straight, Valerie Palmer. I’ve been wrapped up in you since we had dinner on that pier. There’s been no one else since, and as long as you’re in my life, there never will be.”

Well… shit.

My heartbeat races as equal parts denial and delight course through my entire body.

Carter is a professional athlete. He’s gorgeous and surprisingly down to earth. I don’t know the number of women who pursue him, but I imagine it’s a lot. If he’s telling the truth and hasn’t been with anyone else since we slept together, that would be incredible…

When has Carter ever lied to you?

The answer is never.

In addition to being incredibly good-looking, Carter Jones is genuine. He is hardworking and a dedicated father. He’s reliable. He wouldn’t lie to me.

I tell my insecure doubt to take a hike, and the trembling in my hands ceases. Only the desire and lust I feel for the man underneath me remain.

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