Page 26 of Say Yes

Then it hit her. The man was in her bed—exactly where she wanted him to be. She didn’t want to outmaneuver him.

Trying not to look as anxious as she felt, Sara pulled back the covers and slid into bed. She felt as stiff as the lace collar on her nightgown, and just as ridiculous. The touch of Gavin’s gaze was a tangible thing, and very unsettling.

Without looking, she knew he would be smiling. He would be amused by her nervousness, maybe even a little smug at the effect he had on her. She didn’t want to add to his confidence, but she didn’t know what to do or how to act. Having anyone close, especially a man, wasn’t a feeling she’d experienced much in her lifetime. And this man seemed to genuinely care for her to some degree. The feelings he evoked, those of lust and a craving for tenderness, would be visible in her eyes. She kept her gaze on the sheets, not wanting him to see just how confused she really felt. Then she couldn’t help herself and looked at him anyway.

He wasn’t smiling; there was nothing of a humorous nature in the way he watched her. Sara started to turn away again, but he captured her chin on the edge of his hand. “You’re beautiful.”

Staring, her chest tight with emotion, Sara bit her bottom lip. His eyes flickered, then narrowed on her mouth. With a harsh groan he turned away. “Lord, Sara, you make it so damn hard.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth opened.

“Not…” He shook his head, laughing a little, groaning again. His eyes met hers, chagrined and filled with the tenderness she craved. “This is damn difficult. You’re making me crazy.”

“Gavin…”

“No. Don’t you dare say it.”

“Say what?”

“I don’t know. But it’s for certain whatever it is will push me right over the edge. Now give me a kiss good-night and let’s get some sleep.”

Only her eyes moved, searching his expression, hoping to see some sign that he was jesting. “Just like that? Go to sleep?”

Gavin reached past her to turn off the bedside lamp, then settled his upper body over her, his large hands holding her face. “No,” he whispered, his mouth feathering her lips, his breath warm and soft. “The kiss first, then we sleep.”

And what a kiss it was. Sara clung to him, feeling the wet touch of his tongue, the rough caress of his fingertips as he tunneled his hands into her hair. It was a kiss meant to prepare her, but not for sleep.

When it ended, she wanted to wail in frustration. But then Gavin pulled her against his side, settling her close and covering them both. His hand smoothed over her arm, and her cheek rested on his chest, the uneven tempo of his heart sounding in her ear.

She hadn’t gotten the lust she wanted, but the tenderness was there, enough to wallow in, and for the time being, she decided it was more than enough.

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