Page 79 of The Locksmith's Promise

“I think I’m ready to go to our hotel,” I murmured.

“Now?” His eyebrows rose as he lurched back. “I haven’t even fed you yet.”

I tilted my head to the side. “Do we have reservations?”

He gave his head a quick shake and stepped back. “What am I doing?”

Grasping my hand, he turned us around. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Wait!” I cried, struggling to keep up as he took off, my hand clasped tightly in his. “Where were we going to eat?”

“Ayana’s,” he answered, his gaze swinging to look both ways before trotting across the street with me in tow.

Ayana’s was the fanciest restaurant in the entire area and a prime spot for proposals. Inside, Ayana’s boasted soft, twinkling lights, draping fabrics, and one hundred shades of white. It was like stepping inside a life size snow globe.

“You made reservations at Ayana’s?” I asked, astounded.

He stopped on the other side of the street and cupped my face in his hands. “I wanted to do it right this time. No cheap motel or all-night diner like last time. I wanted everything to be perfect, just like you.”

I laid my hand over his and admitted huskily. “I have rather fond memories of that motel.”

Blowing out a breath, he dipped his chin and pressed his forehead to mine. “There’s been a change of plans. Are you okay with that?”

Tipping my chin up, my lips barely touching his, I murmured. “We’ll go to Ayana’s another time.”

“Thank God,” he breathed. His touch firmed as he pressed his lips to my forehead.

“But you’re going to have to slow down. My legs aren’t as long as yours, and I’m wearing heels.”

Eyes sliding down the length of my legs, he growled, “And you’ll be keeping those on.”

19

Pandora’s Box

Maggie

Spinning the lock on the door, he turned and stalked toward me.

“I’m not the same as I was,” I blurted.

“Maggie,” he muttered as he reached for the belt of my coat and gave it a sharp tug.

“I’m serious,” I gasped.

Moving in close, he pushed it off my shoulders and dropped it over the chair behind me before unwinding the silk scarf from around my neck. His big hands wrapped around my ribs, his thumb stroking my tattoo through the thin fabric of my dress.

Exhaling harshly, he tucked his face into my neck and tightened his grip. “I’m dying to explore every inch of you. Believe me, there is nothing you could show me that could turn me off now or ever.”

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pressed my face to his, and closed my eyes. Rubbing my cheek against the shadow on his jaw, I nodded.

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled my body flush to his.

“Maggie, Maggie, Maggie,” he chanted, his hands smoothing up and down my spine. “I’m not going to survive this.”

I huffed out a soft laugh. “Do you think you can hang on until you give me at least one orgasm?”

He drew back, a wide smile on his handsome face. “I’m aiming for two.”

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