Page 89 of Love Me Dangerous

He strides into the bathroom and sets me down on the sink counter, then reaches into the shower to turn it on. There’s a visible bulge in his briefs when he steps back. I try not to stare, but he catches me and grins, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

He slips the tie from my robe and gently peels it open. Letting him slide the fabric from my shoulders might be the bravest thing I’ve everdone. Not that I’m shy or uncomfortable, but in the daylight, I feel more exposed. And a part of me worries that spending a languid morning with Zach is crossing a dangerous line, one I shouldn’t. I can practically hear my mom’s voice in my head.Don’t be like every small-town girl who sleeps around, thinking it’ll get you somewhere.

Zach lifts me down, and though it’s meant to be a simple relocation, I wrap my arms around his neck and don’t let go.

He releases a soft sigh and caresses down my back. “I love holding you.”

I smile. Could he be any more perfect?

The bulge in his briefs stiffens against my tummy. I slide the fabric down, my fingers brushing his erection. He groans and lifts my chin to plant a soft kiss on my lips. It’s sweet and caring and such a contrast to that almost demanding tone he used in the living room. A man of the most alluring contrasts.

In one quick swoop, he cups my bottom and shuffles us to the shower. Under the spray, I close my eyes and let the water cascade down my body. Zach steps close behind me, combing my wet hair with the water so it drapes down my back. His erection is persistent against my bottom, but he’s not grinding against me or guiding my hand to touch him.

When I was with Gabe, that was how it was. Like his hard-on was my emergency.

To my surprise, Zach uncaps my shampoo and lathers it into my hair. A protest is on the tip of my tongue, but I bite it back. Instead, I pay attention to his caring touch and focus because how long has it been since anyone has done something so sweet for me? He rinses, the water crashing to the tub in waves. Then he smooths on conditioner, the scent of wild roses filling the small space.

“Mmm, this is why you always smell so good.” He turns me around so I can lean back into the spray for a rinse.

I wipe my forehead and smile. “According to you, I always smell good.”

“Almost as good as how you taste.” He pulls me against him.

I give him a look. “You’re not serious.”

He scoffs. “You think I’d joke about somethinglike that?”

His gaze turns pained, and I look away. I believe he’s being truthful, it’s just…

He spins me to the side of the shower so my back is against the cold tile, then kisses down my neck while he caresses me, his wet fingers gliding over my curves. “Every part of you is special to me.”

Before I can protest, he kisses down to my breasts, where he gently sucks and teases before moving lower. Once on his knees, he lifts my foot and sets it on the opposite side of the tub, then runs his hand up my inner thigh, planting firm kisses as he does.

He touches me, lighting me up so quickly that I startle, my shoulder blades pressing into the tile. Then his mouth is on me, warm and soft and wet.

He groans, the sound vibrating through me. I close my eyes and lean my head against the tile as he flicks his tongue and circles with his thumb. So many sensations swirl inside me. The tenderness of his touch and the firm stroke of his wicked tongue make this the most intense form of pleasure I’ve ever had.

Why has no one told me about this?

My breaths come faster, and my core slowly tightens. I remember last night when I tried to stop him. I didn’t want him to feel obligated. I didn’t want to let him down if I couldn’t.

But my god, did he make it okay.

I start trembling. Every part of me is tuned to him and the promise of more, more, more. I surrender to it, trying to savor every sweet glide and caress of his tongue. My head starts buzzing, and my breaths get hollow. Everything fades away, leaving me with only the ache he’s so beautifully tending to and my trust in him. A sweet fire lights me up from the inside as I let it all go—my doubts and desires, my fears.

I come down panting, the cold tile pressing into my back and the warm water thundering in my ears.

Zach wraps his arms around my thighs and kisses my tummy. He rests his cheek there, his breaths fast.

He doesn’t seem to be in any rush to move, and I’m grateful for this moment of quiet between us. I comb through his thick hair, trying to get my bearings.

Then with a full sigh, Zach rocks to his feet, takes me in his arms, and holds me close.

We make love again in my bed—his idea—slowly, kissing and touching as the minutes stretch and bend to reveal the most intimate world I’ve ever visited. After, cradled in his arms, I must doze off because I wake to the scent of fresh coffee. Zach is gone, so I pull on a T-shirt and underwear and pad down the hall. Part of me is frantic to know he’s still here, while the other part is scolding me for wanting it.

In the kitchen, Zach is cradling a cup of coffee, his back to me while he gazes out the window. With the low light of the day thanks to the cloud cover, the kitchen is dim, yet it’s enough to reveal the outline of a scar I haven’t noticed before on his shoulder blade.

Zach turns and catches my eye, breaking me from staring. He nods in the direction of the view, and I step closer so I can see what’s got his attention.

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