Maybe it’s the kiss making me see him in a different light. He’s always been handsome to me, but tonight he looks morethan handsome.He looks irresistibly desirable. Maybe the phrase doesn’t make sense, but it’s all I’ve got.

I’m still lost in his looks when Ethan stirs. “You might want to keep your eyes on the road,” he murmurs, still with his eyes closed. “It won’t be so nice of you to kill me after just after I helped you, you know?”

My face heats up with embarrassment. “I wasn’t—” I start, but trail off, knowing he caught me staring. I’m usually not this awestruck over handsome men, but Ethan Carter seems to bring out a side of me I didn’t know existed.

I sigh, my thoughts swirling. Tonight has shifted something in me. After finding out about his brother and then how he helped me with Jake, my defenses are down. And that smoldering kiss... I can still feel my legs shaking from its aftereffects.

We arrive home, and I park the car. Ethan goes to open the door, and I follow him into the house. We both stand awkwardly in the center of the living room, the tension between us palpable.

“Would you like a drink?” I ask, desperate to break the silence.

He nods, and I rush to the bar to grab a bottle of wine and two glasses. My hands are trembling slightly as I pour the wine. I can feel his eyes on me, and when I glance up, he’s staring intently, his gaze piercing.

“Thanks for helping me with Jake,” I say, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. The moment feels too charged, too significant.

“You’re welcome,” he replies, his voice steady and calm. “I wasn’t going to let him bully you.”

I knock one of the glasses over, spilling wine on my leg and the rug. “Shit!” I curse, my face flushing with embarrassment.

Ethan is up in an instant, grabbing a rag and kneeling beside me to help clean up. His hand brushes against my thigh, and weboth freeze. The contact sends a jolt through me, and I can see it has the same effect on him.

“About the kiss,” I start, my voice trembling.

He lifts an eyebrow, trying to keep his tone light. “What about it? Are you going to tell me it’s the best kiss you’ve ever had?”

I laugh, a nervous, shaky sound. “No, but maybe you could do better the second time.”

He stands, pulling me up with him. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, everything else disappears. I don’t think, I just act. I lean in, capturing his lips with mine. The kiss is intense, releasing all the tension we’ve been holding back.

His arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer. I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, matching the frantic pace of my own. I feel giddy, like I’m drunk, but I haven’t even taken a sip of the wine.

I want him, and I want him now. There’s no use pretending. No ruse. I can see the raw and real need in his eyes and it makes me feel alive. I’ve wanted this man for four months and it’s time I have him.

He’s so controlled, so cold that I want to light a fire inside him. I want him burning up for me. I grab the front of his hoodie, dragging him over me as I fall over onto the sofa. I know he’s awaiting my permission. There it is.

Take me, Ethan. Own me completely.

He groans against my lips, one hand circling my waist, the other cupping my face as his fiery kisses melt me from the inside out. White-hot, electric passion sends tremors across every piece of skin as I twist in his arms, pushing my breasts against his chest, my throbbing core into his crotch. Ethan smiles, teasing me with his tongue, flicking and nibbling face, my bottom lip, my neck.

I gasp, looking into blue eyes that glare like he’s going to eat me alive. He’s turned on. Super turned on. Fuck it. I’m done with these clothes. I fist the edge of his hoodie and flip it over his body. He raises his arms, letting it go free. I run my hands across smooth tanned skin, flicking his nipples.

“You’re not playing fair, Holly.”

I narrow my eyes and purse my lips. “All’s fair in love–makingand war.”

“Now you’re gonna get it.”

Ethan grabs me by the hair tightly and buries his mouth in my neck, biting my pulse, sending heat zapping to my clit.

“Fuck yes,” I moan like a banshee, melting against him. I arch into him, humming with need. I want him now. I want his cock right now. I break the kiss, digging my fingers into his hair. “Take me right now.”

He nods, his hands slipping, moving to whip my hoodie over my head. He palms my breast and I arch into his hands. Then he reaches my back, unhooking my lace bra. It comes loose and the cups drop, leaving me topless. Ethan kisses me again, his mouth picking the path straight to my breasts. He bites and sucks, driving me crazy. His hand slips between us, diving inside my shorts. His fingertips slip under my panties and over my clit.

“You’re such a horny vixen,” he growls in my ear. “You’re dripping, wet, honey, that’s how much you want me?”

“Yes,” I gasp. “Yes, I want you, Ethan.”

“Tell me what you want exactly. Your wish is my command.”