Page 66 of Teach Me to Laugh

“All right,” There was a deep gravelly sound to his acquiescence when he lowered his body, his big arms taking thebrunt of his weight as he positioned himself above me, kissing the tip of my nose. “Whatever you want, beautiful.”

“Whatever I want?” God, the words were barely even audible.

“Whatever you want,” his eyes had darkened a shade or two. They were an intense chocolate now, warm and filled with want.

My belly fluttered and I felt that familiar ache of desire pulsing between my legs. I knew he wanted me. I knew he’d wanted me countless times since we’d been here at the cabin, but not once had he made an attempt to take things all the way. This both frustrated me and made me feel cared for.

Lifting my arms, I looped them around his broad shoulders, pressing my lips to his. My heart hammered fiercely in my chest as he kissed me, dropping some of his weight over my body, and I wasn’t certain if he’d consciously left the thick blanket between our bodies. I wanted to tell him to come beneath the blankets with me, but I couldn’t seem to find the courage, so I just kissed him. I kissed him long and hard, and all the while, the need I felt inside for him continued to grow.

I was ready to burst at the seams when Beckett lifted his head to gaze down at me with eyes so dark and so wonderfully warm.

“Wow,” breathily, he shook his head and repeated. “Wow.”

“I know.” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.

“I should,” he shifted, pushing up onto the palms of his hands. “I should turn out the lights.”

Goodness, I hadn’t even noticed they were on. The moment was a face-palming moment I should have anticipated, and actedaccordingly. That meant I should have already turned off the lights to avoid this about to be very awkward situation. Live and learn, right?

“Sure.”

Beckett hoisted his big body up, and embarrassed, I rolled onto my side to look into the small flames dancing in the hearth. Beneath the thick blanket, I was wearing an adorable lavender satin nighty that was bordered in thin white lace. It was sexy and something I never would have worn if Raina hadn’t brought it out, stating, “I figured you’d need something a little friskier than fleece if you were to seduce that man.”

I hadn’t been planning to seduce anyone. I most definitely hadn’t been planning to wear a little purple nighty in the hopes that maybe I might influence Beckett to take our bedroom play a little further—as in all the way.

Now, the satin felt like acid on my flesh as I waited with a wildly racing pulse for the man to return.What had I been thinking?If I’d screamed my want for him from the tallest building on earth, I couldn’t have made it more obvious.

I was suddenly regretting my attempt at brazenness when I felt the blanket lift. And then I felt Beckett’s body slide close to mine. The only light igniting the large room was from the glow of the low flames, so when Beckett reached out to place a hand on my waist, his breath hitched at the feel of the satin covering my skin. That was when I felt the blanket rise and I slammed my eyes closed in horror.

This was so not how I’d wanted things to play out. It wasn’t even remotely like I’d imagined when I’d fantasized this wonderful evening. This was a freaking mess with a capital M.

His hand returned to my waist to pull me onto my back. I still didn’t open my eyes. I couldn’t. If I did, I was certain he’d see every ounce of horror I harbored inside. God, I didn’t want him to see.

“Amara,” his voice was husky and that surprised me. “Open your eyes, beautiful.”

I shook my head—like a silly little loser. God, I was going to kill Raina for convincing me that I needed satin and lace.

“I feel silly.” I whispered, refusing to open my eyes.

“You look amazing.” He replied. “Beautiful. Breathtaking. Not silly.”

I opened my eyes. “Beckett,” my breath caught at the heat in his. “I . . .”

“You?” He pressed, his hand moving slowly over my belly, petting the satin in a way that had me feeling achy with need.

“I just wanted to,” yep, I was going to kill my friend. “I wanted to be beautiful for you.”

“You’ve always been beautiful, Amara.”

“And I wanted you to want me.”

He laughed. The sound was deep, and low, and husky. It made me shiver. “I don’t think there’s been one day since I met you that I haven’t wanted you.”

I blushed. “I don’t mean like that,” he cocked his head and I continued to explain. “I mean, want me,wantme. Like physically.”

“Amara,”

Oh, when he said my name like that.

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