Page 53 of Sin City Lights

He held her gaze.“Whatever you want to.”

Oh God, that face, that voice. He stepped a little closer, then leaned in, flattening his palms on the countertop on either side of her.

Her eyes widened. It was happening again.

He bent down just a bit.

Her heart rate spiked. Her breath began to come in shallow bursts.

Slowly, very slowly, he slid his hands up, over her wrists, up her forearms, his thumbs stroking her sensitive skin at the crook of her elbows.

Adam and stroking again.

Her knees threatened to buckle.

“I called Eleet the very next morning after we flew back.” His thumbs continued making lazy circles.“They said—” his hands moved up and settled on her shoulders“—that you were unavailable.”

She felt his radiating heat. He smelled of soap and his cologne. And him.

“That was a nasty déjà vu, Eve. But I decided to give you time before I called again.” His hands slid up to her throat.“I waited a few more days. And you know what?”

“What?”

“They still wouldn’t tell me anything, so I got worried and thought I’d check on you. In person.”

His hands moved up to tenderly cradle her face. His sapphire eyes, however, bore deep into her.“You look perfectly healthy to me.”

She couldn’t contradict him. Even if she had wanted to, it was impossible to utter a single syllable.

“I thought we made a connection in the Caymans.”

She swallowed hard.

His thumbs caressed her cheeks.“During the trip, I felt that you may want me too, but I’d given you my word. So, I abstained from letting my baser instincts take control. I am no longer bound by my word. But since I am a gentleman, I’m going to ask you…”

He leaned in carefully, as if afraid to spook her, and brushed his lips against her temple. “…did you feel it, Eve?”

“I…” Her voice trailed. Of course she had. She closed her eyes.

He nuzzled her forehead.“Do you feel this…this thing between us? Because I do.” His voice was barely audible.“Tell me you don’t, and I will walk out of this apartment and never bother you again.”

She fought to draw in air, her chest tightening with every breath. The blood pulsed in her ears and other places.

Before she knew it, she’d gripped the front of his T-shirt, twisted it in both fists and pulled.

She heard the rush of his breath as she slammed into him. For a beat, he didn’t move, or blink, or breathe. He steadied both of them by gripping her hips.

His gaze was fire.

And it consumed her.

Suddenly, Eve could no longer hold back. She stood on tiptoe and traced her tongue over his lower lip, seeking entry.

He shuddered violently, but still, he didn’t move.

She wrapped her arms around his neck.“Kiss me,” she whispered.

He lowered his head.

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