Page 10 of Finding You

Chapter Five

Almost a year ago…

“Dance with me?”

Andrew’s request surprised Raven, and she laughed as she glanced around his hotel room. The space was lavishly decorated in blues and gold like her and her friend Teresa’s hotel room. Except while they had two queen beds, he had a huge king.

“Here?” she asked, noting that not only was the floor carpeted, but there wasn’t much open space. It didn’t seem like the most ideal place to dance. Or maybe those were her nerves talking. She was so out of her element here, but curiosity and a big dose of desire made her accept his invitation to join him in his room.

“Yes, here,” he said with a smirk.

After two glasses of wine, some laughs, and great conversation, Andrew had suggested they come upstairs, order room service, and get to know each other better. Throughout their conversation in the hotel’s bar, they stayed away from personal information, including last names.

She thought it odd at first, but there was a bit of mystery around the suggestion, as well as some excitement. They discussed everything from sports to entertainment news, and the only other personal thing she knew about him was that he was in Vegas attending a law-enforcement conference.

When Andrew had walked into the bar, he immediately caught her attention. Lust at first sight. Even now, the attraction vibing between them was like nothing she had ever experienced. As if guided by a magnetic pull, he had approached her, asking if the bar stool next to her was free. His intense, deep baritone had caught her off guard, and then he flashed her a grin that made her panties wet.

Yeah, he was definitely hot, and she was fairly sure she had drooled a little. Women probably fell all over themselves to get with him, and rightfully so. The man was even more beautiful up close, and his intoxicating cologne almost had her groaning with pleasure, even now.

Her gaze followed him across the room as he went to turn on a lamp. He was definitely nice to look at with skin the color of chestnuts and his mustache and goatee were perfectly trimmed. The gray polo shirt molded to his upper body and showcased broad shoulders and muscular biceps that were barely contained within the short sleeves of the garment. Her gaze traveled lower, taking in his narrow waist and long legs that seemed to go on forever encased in blue pants. He was a big guy, and she wondered if he was big in other areas too.

What was wrong with her? Clearly Sin City had gotten into her system to the point that she almost didn’t recognize herself. She had grown up in a very conservative household and had been dubbed a “good girl” by the guys at her high school. Even in college, Raven hadn’t gotten too wild, but now that she was nearing her mid-thirties, it was past time to live a little. Still, she couldn’t imagine having a fling. She just wasn’t built thatway. Yet, here she was about to do just that if all things went well.

“Shall we?” Andrew said, cutting into her thoughts as he approached her.

He reached for her hand, then guided her over to the huge window that overlooked the Las Vegas strip. Lights from neighboring hotels and buildings shined through the shear curtains, illuminating the room even more.

Andrew closed the curtains, then pulled his cell phone from his pocket and tapped the screen a few times. Seconds later, Freddie Jackson’s song “All I Ever Ask” filled the quietness of the space. Her heart rate kicked up when Andrew set the phone down and gently pulled her into his arms and against his hard body. With her arms around his neck, she rested her chin on his broad shoulder and released a contented sigh as they swayed to the music. Raven was glad she’d said yes to his invitation because this moment felt perfect. They danced to one song after another as if it were the most natural thing to do. As if they danced together all the time.

As they danced, Raven got the answer to her question—he was definitely big all over if the bulge pressed against her lower stomach was any indication. The knowledge stoked the fire that had been lit inside of her, and she tried to steady her breathing. She wanted to come across as cool as he was, but her need for him was making her anxious.

Just relax, she told herself.

So far, Andrew had everything going for him. Handsome, charming, funny, and he could dance. She’d had a good time since arriving in Vegas, but the last hour or two had been the best.

Andrew slowed, and Raven leaned her head back to glance at him. His attention immediately went to her mouth. Then hergaze went to his tempting lips, settled there for a second as she wondered what he’d taste like.

“May I kiss you?” he asked, and she wasted no time saying yes.

He smiled at her, and Raven’s pulse amped up as he slid his large hand behind her neck. As he gently tugged her closer, he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.

Oh yeah. She was right where she wanted to be. The slow, drugging kiss sent pleasure bursting to every cell in her body. It was as if she’d been transported on a soft, fluffy cloud, and nothing else existed. There was a dreamy intimacy to their kiss that was as tender as a summer breeze, and she lost herself in the moment.

One of Andrew’s hands remained at the back of her neck. While the other slid around her waist, sending goosebumps racing over her skin as he held her close. She felt every hard inch of him as his huge erection pressed against her belly, and she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped.

As they continued exploring each other’s mouths, Raven gripped his biceps while their kiss deepened. Andrew’s thick, muscular arms were so big that her hand didn’t fit halfway around them.

He felt so good, and before she could think better of it, she wrapped her arms around his neck and ground her pelvis shamelessly against him.

She was ready to take this sweet seduction to the next level. Raven wanted to feel his hands and lips on her whole body, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold on without begging him to do just that.

As if reading her mind, Andrew slowly lifted his mouth from hers and gazed into her eyes, sending a wave of desire surging through her body. Based on the intensity in his dark orbs, he wanted her just as much.

“Stay the night with me,” he whispered, more a statement than a question, and Raven’s heart pounded against her ribs.

“Yes.” Definitely yes, she wanted to scream as her thoughts spun out of control. She had never wanted a man as much as she wanted this one, and she planned to enjoy every moment they had together.

His lips seared kisses down her neck, and Raven purred like a kitten, which she’d never done. But the man brought something out of her that she’d never felt before. Passion. Desire. Lust. All of it. This was what she’d been missing. Someone who made her feel good inside and out, as well as wanted.

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