Page 81 of Essence of his Soul

He saw her expression falter just for a second. Knowing she still had feelings for him? It pleased him more than it should.

“I hope it all works out for you out there,” she said, her voice a little tight.

“Do you really mean that?” he asked, stepping closer.

She gave a stiff nod. “Yeah. I want you to be happy.”

“Good.” Diamere’s lips curved into a slow smile. “Then you should understand why I need to kiss you again.”

Kelly’s eyes widened, and she stepped back, but he was already there, hands on her shoulders, pulling her close. She whispered, “Don’t,” but no real force was behind it. He knew shedidn’t mean it.

Lowering his head, Diamere brushed his lips against hers, and it was like the whole world faded away. He kissed her with a hunger that surprised even him. And the way she kissed him back? It was like they’d been waiting for this moment all along. Her arms were around his neck, silently encouraging him. Kelly’s firm breasts were pressed to his chest. In passionate gratitude, he felt her meet the thrust of his tongue, matching each stroke with skilled moves of her own. Kelly wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

Diamere buried his hands in her hair, his lips sweeping the curve of her cheekbones. As he did so, the fragrance of her skin filled his nostrils. He then unbuttoned her shirt and pushed it off one shoulder, kissing her collarbone and the gentle hollow of her throat. Then he found her breasts bouncing before him, his heart thudding against his ribcage. Diamere cupped its weight, the softness warm beneath his fingertips. He teased her nipples. Kelly moaned his name, her palms splayed against his chest, her fingers caressing his arms. He kissed her breasts, then sucked a nipple between his lips. She arched her back, drawing nearer, and cried out. The sound had his body humming with need, knowing there was nowhere on earth he would rather be than in her bed.

Only this was all wrong.

Diamere knew it. As much as he wanted her, he couldn’t shake the guilt gnawing at him. They could never be, not when he had someone else waiting for him back in Colorado. He wasn’t that kind of man—he cared too much for Kelly. And he wasn’t going to take advantage of her, no matter how badly his body craved hers.

Reluctantly, he pulled away, his chest rising and falling with the effort it took to stop himself from going further. When he opened his eyes, Kelly’s expression changed. Her face was sternand guarded, like she was already putting up resistance.

“Damn, Kel,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “That definitely got outta control.”

Her eyes flickered with something, maybe frustration, maybe disappointment—it was hard to tell. “Why can’t you just admit you’re attracted to me?” Her voice was calm, but there was a challenge in her words.

Diamere hesitated, the silence stretching between them. His heart was still racing, his thoughts tangled. He finally exhaled and said, “Alright. I’m attracted to you.”

Kelly smirked, clearly pleased with his confession. There was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes like she’d known all along but just needed to hear him say it. “Good. Well, now that that’s settled, get out of here. Go rest up for your trip tomorrow.”

Diamere raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden change. “Why can’t I sleep here?”

Kelly frowned, crossing her arms like she was prepared to shut down the idea. “Because, like you just said, things got out of control.”

He sighed, knowing she was right. That kiss had been more than just a spark—it had been a fire. But if he stayed, they’d both end up making a decision they couldn’t take back.

She cleared her throat. “But answer one question… if things were different…”

“If things were different, I would be all over you.”

“Cool.” She grinned and looked pleased by his answer. “Come on, I’ll make us some hot chocolate before you leave.”

She reached down for her shirt, breasts bouncing, and slipped her arms inside the sleeves, then padded toward the kitchen. Diamere followed the sway of her enticing hips, shaking his head.

Damn!

He wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight.

Chapter 22

Mark opened his eyes and gave me this soft, sleepy smile. “Hey.”

I couldn’t help but tease him a little, smirking back. “Hey yourself, Captain.”

He squeezed my thigh just enough to remind me of his presence, his fingers warm and steady. “I should be worried about what’s on your mind right now.”

I could tell he was half-joking, but his voice had a real edge as if he wasn’t sure what was coming. I leaned in, playing it cool. “I’m not talking myself out of anything, Mark.” But deep down, I wasn’t ready to say,I love you, even though it was right on the tip of my tongue.

His eyes locked on mine like he was trying to read my mind. “I know you’re thinking about something.”

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