Page 37 of Richard

“I don’t care,” she lied. Her insides felt like Jell-O, and her resistance, if there had been any, to begin with, had crumbled. He made her weak with need, and her nipples were aching.

“Yes, you do.” His eyes drifted to her bosom, and he watched as the nipples were imprinted against the fabric. “Your flesh does not lie.”

“So, I want you, big deal.”

“It is a big deal," he concurred, eyes lifting to her face. “I am too old to play games, and I have this yearning for you that will not go away. Deal with it.”

She bristled at his tone. “And if I don’t?”

“Then you would be denying yourself of the pleasure we both experienced.” He leaned against the table, his eyes pinning hers. “That asshole who broke your heart back then, does not deserve another minute of your time.”

Her eyes flared. “And what about you? If I allow myself to fall under your spell, what will happen?”

“I will love you the way you deserve to be loved,” he said huskily. “I will spend every day reminding you of how valuable you are.” He rose and she dropped her utensils and went rigid.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?”

Pulling back her chair, he took her hands, forcing her to stand.

“I can’t do this. I am afraid,” she whispered hoarsely.

Her admission melted his heart.

“Tell me why, specifically,” he encouraged.

“Of being hurt. Of making another mistake.”

He drew her into him, arms coming around her waist.

“And I give you my word that will never happen. I will never do anything to hurt you intentionally. I need you, Collette.” He drew in a harsh breath. “Do you have any idea what it takes for me to admit that I need another person? It takes a hell of a lot because this has never happened to me before.”

He cradled her face between his palms. “Let me love you, baby. After you left the other night, I wanted to go after you. It took a hell of a lot for me not to.”

Her fingers curled into his sweater as he tilted her chin up. “Let me erase the past.”

“Richard–”

“That’s the first time you ever called my name. Do you know what that does to me?”

“I can’t–”

“Yes, you can.” He brushed his lips against hers and sent fire dancing up and down her spine. “Come to bed with me, sweetheart.” His lips rubbed hers open, and she sagged against him weakly. A cry escaped her when he swung her into his arms.

He did not stop kissing her, not even when he was ascending the stairs. His mouth plundered hers until she was clinging to him weakly. He walked into the large room with the king-sized bed set in the middle of highly polished board floors.

Setting her down, he hunkered down so that he could remove her boots. Her fingers gripped the Egyptian cotton sheets as he ran large hands up and down her silk stockings, fingers caressing her calves.

Pushing her dress up, he stared at the garter belt attaching the stockings and made a sound deep inside his throat.

Lifting his head, his emerald green gaze had her melting inside.

“All my fantasies come true," he whispered thickly. Unhooking the belt, he removed the stockings and spent time massaging her legs. Rising unsteadily, he pulled her dress over her head and felt his body tighten significantly as he stared at the sight of her wearing a scrap of silk and lace that barely covered her generous breasts.

“Sweetheart.” His voice was thick, his body shuddering. “What you do to me…”

Getting rid of his clothing, he joined her, stretching out next to her, and took his time staring at her.

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