Page 80 of Lime Tree Hill

He crouched beside her. With her face fresh from sleep and lips softly smiling, she looked beautiful in her innocence. “Bedtime.”

Tayla clasped her hands behind his neck. Her affection for him had grown over the past few weeks,and when they kissed, she relaxed under his touch. “I didn’t think you’d come home tonight. I haven’t kept you any dinner.”

Taking her hand in his, he pecked her on the mouth.“It’s fine. I went to see Luka. He fed me.”

“He’s a good friend.” Her concern showing in her expression, she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “Is everything okay?”

“It will be soon.” He kissed her again, but this time with increasing urgency. Grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, Tayla pulled him closer, the need of her touch matching his in a way they’d never explored. Different from the restrained make-out kisses they were used to, this kiss would break down that final barrier between them. A lovers’ kiss. And when they let go, the memory would be etched on their hearts forever.

“I’m so pleased you’re home,” he whispered.

She frowned. “Where else would I be?”

“I don’t know.” Mitch snuggled into her neck. “And I don’t care. I need you.” Unsteady fingers raked through her hair as emotion welled in his chest. “You’re here. That’s all that matters.”

Kissing her gently, he pulled her closer, her body tight and ready beside him. They stayed that way for a moment, connecting with touch, words lost in an air of want. He longed to bury his face between her breasts—her thighs—for her to tremble as he entered her and call his name as she came. But instead, he pulled back, tugging his shirt over his head with both hands. He wasn’t about to make love to his wife for the first time on the living room sofa.

Mitch lifted her, and she instinctively curled her legs around his waist. As he walked to the bedroom, she pressed her lips to hisneck.Those warm lipscaressing his skin; that was it for him. His knees weakened, and when he placed her on the bed, he stared, the sight of her illuminated by the soft light spilling from the hall mesmerizing him.

He stilled, drinking her in, then sat beside her, easing off her robe while his heartbeat hammered in his chest. “Are you sure?” he murmured, struggling with his belt buckle. “Because if there’s any doubt, any hesitation, stop me now.”

“Don’t you dare stop. Not this time.”

“When did you get so bossy?”

“It’s those lessons of love you’ve been giving me. I’m over the theory.”

He laughed. “Lessons of love? Is that what we’ve been doing? More like lessons in frustration.”

“Just be gentle,” she whispered, her expression suddenly pensive as she held his gaze with wide-open eyes. “Okay?”

Mitch studied her—graceful and elegant, and her skin fair without that tinge of summer warming it. Was she worried he might hurt her, that she wouldn’t enjoy it? He’d felt that way when he lost his virginity, too. Scared and excited and nervous as hell. Cupping her face, he smiled down at her. “You know what?”

Tayla shook her head.

“There’s a little performance anxiety going on in my head right now too. First time ever.”

Her teeth scraped across her bottom lip. “Do you want a massage? I’m good with my hands. It’s my field of expertise.”

Mitch watched her unzip his fly. She slipped her hands into his boxers, his body stiffening with pent-up anticipation under her touch. He closed his eyes, tipping his head back as she ran her hand down his length. “Shit!Knock yourself out.”

“Tell me what you like.”

His eyes still closed, Mitch sucked in a breath. “I like…our connection.Shit, Tayla…seeing your keys on the sideboard afterwork…knowing the wait is finally over.” He moved into her rhythm. “And I really like…what you’re doing to me right now.”

“You do?”

“Oh yeah.”

He placed his hand over hers. This night wasn’t about him. “Slow down. It’s been a while, and I’m losing control here.”

Sitting back on his haunches, Mitch briefly closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, the throb of his erection almost unbearable. When he opened them, Tayla smiled up at him, both hands cupping her breasts. He lifted one hand and tenderly kissed the delicate center of her palm, then did the same with the other as she watched him with lust-filled eyes.

Mitch lay beside her, and she turned toward him, her hands caressing his chest as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. They kissed, the husky groan in her throat all the encouragement he needed.

He brushed a hand over her breasts—small and perfectly round under his touch—his fingers doing their work until she arched her back, her breath hitching from her lungs in short, uneven pants. Her reaction amazed him. He’d expected her to be timid and reserved, but it was Tayla who guided his hand downward. And a few minutes later, when she came under his touch, it surprised them both.

Mitch reached for a condom from the nightstand drawer and put it on. Holding her with care, he entered her gently, stilling several times to catch himself as his need for release threatened to overtake his resolve. “Does this feel okay?”

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