Page 154 of Forgot to Tell You Something

At least my pregnancy brain was right on the money this time. “Do you?”

“You know I do. Now, the question is, do you want me, too?” His hands slide down my ass to cup my cheeks, pulling me hard against his erection.

He’s kidding, right? I’m soaking wet just thinking about it. “Is this your great seduction?”

Owen winds his hand in my hair, forcing my head back. “It will be as soon as you give me the go-ahead.”

“Doesn’t that take the work out of the seduction?” I muse, willing my heart rate to remain at a normal pace.

“Why don’t you find out? Tempt fate, sexy mama.”

“What did you call me?”

“You heard me. You’re a sexy mama.”

“I feel like an Oompa Loompa.”

Owen chuckles, his free hand holding me firm against him. “You don’t look like one. You’re adorable.”

It’s meant to entice me, but instead it reminds me of my ever-changing body. His words are ice water, pouring over my heated form. I throw up my hands, releasing a resigned huff. “That’s the problem. I’m adorable. Charlotte is statuesque, gorgeous, exotic. Need I continue?”

A look of understanding passes over Owen’s face.

About time you woke up and smelled the Chanel.

He takes a step back, his hands folded over his chest. “Wait a second. Is that why we’re not”—Owen motions between us—“because ofCharlotte?”

“Not entirely, no, but—”

He throws his hands up, shaking his head. In dismay? Aggravation? Agreement? I can’t be sure. “That’s bullshit.”

“It’s not,” I protest, my hands planted on my hips. “It’s a legitimate reason.”

“Like hell it is.”

“Owen—”

I don’t have time to finish my statement. Owen grabs me into a fireman’s hold and marches into the bedroom. He turns me over onto the mattress, straddling me, his hands locking my arms to the bed.

“Owen—” I begin again, but my words are lost when his mouth claims mine. His lips crush against me with a savage intensity. It’s our first kiss all over again, when his body waged a carnal assault on my senses. His tongue slides against mine as he steals every moan, his hands acting as handcuffs, limiting my movement. There’s no teasing in his kiss. This is pure demand, and I damn well better obey.

Pulling back, he catches my lower lip between his teeth, his eyes glowing with desire. “You stay. Don’t move a muscle.”

“What are you doing?” I ask, my eyes widening as he strides to his closet, pulling out two silk ties.

But Owen doesn’t answer, his gaze intense as he secures my wrists to the bedposts.

“Owen,” I repeat, my heart racing from a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. I know he won’t hurt me, but I’m also not ready for him to see my body in all its naked glory.

Apparently, he’s more than ready.

“Are you hiding this body from me?” Owen demands.

I open my mouth to speak, but his hand presses against my lips, silencing my words.

“The only correct answer is not anymore.” With a yank, he tears off my tank top, and for once, I’m glad I don’t buy designer duds. This one came off the three-dollar clearance rack. He pops open my bra with a flick of his fingers, and my breasts spill out into his hands. He pauses for a moment, his fingers teasing my nipples into hard peaks, and I bite back a moan.

But he’s not done. Not by a long shot. He slides off my shorts and tosses them over his shoulder, leaving me wide open to his visual inspection.

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