Page 49 of Grave Peril

Rip’s expression was telling. The attraction was undeniable. “What about me?”

“I haven’t met a man like you before.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Lela took a sip of her drink, then another. “I haven’t decided yet.”

For the rest of the meal, Lela chatted with Rip about anything, except the electricity radiating between them. She wanted to say more, but hesitated. How far was she willing to go?

On the way to the boat, Lela enjoyed the view of the horizon and watched the sun dip lower in the sky. “I imagine watching the sunset from the boat’s deck would be amazing.”

“We’re going to find out.” Rip took her back to the houseboat, then cast off. He was as adept at handling the watercraft as he was at so much else.

The boat cruised far out into the harbor, then Rip cut the engine. On the deck, Lela sat beside him, awed by the sunset. The sky turned colors of orange and yellow, then shifted to purple. Darkness descended, but the moon lit the bay, shimmering over the still water.

Rip sat on the bench cushion next to her. He turned to look at her, with the moonlight as a backdrop, and her heart skipped a beat.

Lela shared what was on her mind. “So…if you don’t have a serious relationship, what does that mean for your sex life?” She couldn’t believe that she’d asked that. But she wanted to know, and jealousy reared its head. For no good reason, she didn’t like the thought of Rip with another woman.

“I haven’t lived like a monk, if that’s what you mean,” Rip answered. “I prefer sex within the confines of a committed relationship…not that I’ve had much chance for that.”

Lela gazed into his eyes, and her heart swelled. She cared about Rip, and that was dangerous.

“What about you?” Rip said. “Why aren’t you with someone?”

“I think you know why. I had my heart broken, and I decided once was enough.”

The disappointment in Rip’s expression tugged at her heart. What had he expected?

“Come here.” Rip opened his arms, and she went to him. He dug his hand in her hair and held her close. The tender gesture broke through her resistance. She had no defenses against gentleness, honesty, and caring.

Tears moistened Lela’s eyes, and she embraced Rip. Being close felt good, and seemed right. She squeezed tighter, relishing the closeness and needing to be in his arms.

Rip made no move to let her go. He pressed her to his chest and stroked his fingertips along her spine. Lela was filled with unexpected joy. With Rip holding her, the world was good. His warmth was what she desperately needed.

There seemed to be no rush; Rip gave her plenty of opportunity to move away…if she wanted to. He seemed content to be with her, and hold her close, without pressing for more. But Lela felt the heat of his body, and breathed in his scent. He wanted her, as she wanted him, and her passion escalated.

The boat rocked softly on the water, and the moonlight sparkled in the bay. Lela was so fortunate to be alive and to have this moment. Even if it went no further, she would cherish the intimacy, closeness she hadn’t experienced before—not like this.

Rip pulled back a little and put his fingers under Lela’s chin. He tipped her head up, and she looked into his eyes. His expression was filled with desire. He paused for a heartbeat, then pressed his lips to hers.

It was a soft touch at first, testing Lela’s willingness. She closed her eyes and parted her lips, so Rip deepened the kiss. He tasted of maleness, spices, and tequila, a combination that was a potent aphrodisiac.

Lela folded against Rip, moaning softly into the sensual kiss. Ravenously, he covered her mouth with his and devoured her, spiking her passion. She gasped when he pulled back. “Rip…” she whispered, igniting the flame.

Rip stood and scooped her into his arms, then carried her to the cabin. Starlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. Lela stood next to the bed and drank in the sight.

He was the embodiment of male sexuality, strong and broad-shouldered. His raw need was evident. Requiring no more encouragement, he moved toward her.

Rip pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, digging his hands into her hair. Then he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet, so he could nibble at the tender skin on her neck.

Delirious with sensation, Lela arched into him. When Rip lowered her to the ground, she began undoing his pants. But he interrupted the proceedings and took charge. First, he undressed her, one garment at a time, admiring her as he went.

“You’re so beautiful,” Rip said. “You’re a goddess.”

When she was naked, Rip dropped to his knees and held her hips. Then he kissed and licked over her until she was about to come unglued. He suckled at her breasts, alternately taking each nipple into his mouth. He sucked gently, then harder.

Lela’s core clenched tight. Heat flooded her low belly and she weakened under his ministrations. “Come for me, beautiful,” Rip said in a raspy voice. He held her waist with his mouth over her most tender spot. He flicked his tongue just so, spiking her sensation.

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