Page 56 of And Then Came You

“I’m not dating anyone.”

“Neither am I.”

That remark garners her attention. “What happened with you and Almira? Or is that considered friends with benefits?”

“I don’t know what it was, but it’s over. She’s a wonderful woman. Honestly, for someone that entitled, she has a good heart.”

“Agreed, and she’s out of this world gorgeous.”

“She’s not my type.”

Those amber eyes widen behind her glasses. “Gorgeous isn’t your type? I call bullshit on that response.”

I wrap an arm around her shoulders, chuckling as I press a kiss to her hair. “Let me rephrase. She is gorgeous, but I’m interested in someone else. Someone who looks nothing like her, but is equally gorgeous.”

Lexi stiffens at my statement. Never a good sign. “You don’t waste any time, do you Sam?”

“I’ve had feelings for this woman for a while.”

Shaking her head, she focuses her gaze on the distant wall. “I can’t keep up with you and all your women.”

“You won’t have to anymore.” I want my words to soothe her, but as her brows knit together, I realize I’m only confusing her more. I have two choices: change the topic or spill my guts.

I’ll admit I’m a chicken shit, as I pick up the book on the history of Japanese art. I will tell her. I have to, before my heart and head implode from holding these feelings in. But I’m easing into it. If I tell Lexi I’m in love with her after my mood swings and lineup of women, she’ll likely burst out laughing or run out the door.

Perhaps both.

Besides, I’ve never told a woman I loved her before, mainly because I never have. The idea is exhilarating and petrifying all in the same breath. I’m not ready to ruin the fantasy I have built in my head just yet.

“You’ve asked me about my tattoos. Most of them are done in the Japanese style, and this book delves into the art form behind it. I thought you might find it interesting, learn a bit more about what makes me tick.”

A grin splits Lexi’s face as she turns her focus to the book. “I’m always keen to learn more about you. Let’s have a look.”

I spend the next several minutes explaining some design specifics surrounding dragons and symbols, but I can barely concentrate. My focus is not on the book, but the woman holding it.

Her long dark hair falls in front of her face, and I push it behind her ear, daring to skate my fingers along the column of her neck. She has the softest skin, like spun silk, likely because she’s spent no time out in the sun.

I know she detests her pale skin, but I find it irresistible.

Everything about her captivates me, and I wonder how I didn’t see it sooner. Didn’t see her sooner. Maybe I did, but I was too afraid to admit it, even to myself.

Her slender fingers trace the tattoo outlines in the book and I struggle to maintain focus. She has beautiful hands—slight and delicate—much like the rest of her, but it’s the way they roam across the page that is so damn appealing. I crave her hands on my body, and every time I close my eyes I recall those brief moments when her fingers skated along my chest as my mouth claimed her as my own.

“Sam?”

I snap back to the moment, offering her a rueful grin. “Sorry. I zoned out there for a minute.”

“Am I boring you?”

“Are you nuts? You’re the only person in the world who doesn’t bore me. Come here, I want you closer.” I spread my legs, settling her between them and wrapping my arms around her waist. This is better. Not as good as her naked and riding my cock, but we’re moving in the right direction. “I have jet lag, but here with you is the only place in the world I want to be.”

Lexi stiffens, and I worry that I’ve revealed too much. So much for easing her into the idea. “Do you mean that?”

“I flew here from England to be with you. Just you, Lexi.” Nuzzling her lobe with my nose, I smile as a soft giggle escapes her throat. “What’s so funny?”

“You’re tickling me.”

“Good tickle or bad tickle?” I drift my lips along her skin, feeling her breath hitch.

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