Page 54 of Secret Crush
Chapter Twenty
Alice hugged her waist and gazed at a piece of Spanish art from old Cuba that hung near the inside door. She could see it from the outside as they drove toward the garage. The bright color contrasted with her feelings. This was the final night that she would be staying with John.
With her head down, she turned toward John's profile. He couldn't see her eyes behind her sunglasses. Tomorrow, she moved out on her own. Tomorrow her real life started. Victoria could stop by. If she was lucky, John might also show up. Their date had been the opposite of romantic. She'd kicked him while he was down.
He parked the car in the garage. She studied his strong jawline. His kisses lit her on fire, despite his back and forth emotions. Perhaps with time that didn't include funerals, they had a chance at a stronger relationship. Dating John would be the prize she had always wanted, but never thought she'd have. She didn't dare to hope.
Perhaps she should settle. If somehow she could have one night with him, it would be enough.
John took her hand and led her into the house from the garage.
If she stripped off her shirt and threw herself in his arms, perhaps he'd finally take her. The thought played in her mind as he locked the door behind them.
Then, without provocation, he turned around and kissed her hard. She fell backwards and almost knocked the stand with the flowers down next to the door. He didn't seem to care and continued to press his lips against hers.
Her hands raked up his body. She needed to touch him. She needed to have him. He tasted like delicious wine and testosterone. Her fingers untucked his shirt and found his chiseled abdomen. Her entire body flamed with desire as his eyes held a blaze in them that read he wanted her too.
Finally. She pressed into him and reached farther up his shirt to feel his naked skin.
His muscles quivered at her touch. Her body moistened with desire.
John stepped away from her, and his voice was gruff as he said, "Tell me to stop."
She lifted her chin, wanting him. "Take me to a bedroom."
Dropping her pocketbook on the ground near the door, Alice slipped her hand into his as he led her down the hall to his room.
Her heart pounded in her chest as he opened the door with his free hand. His bed was messy and the gray duvet was on the floor beside his slept-in silken sheets, but otherwise the room was devoid of anything personal. She swung to him. "You haven't hired maids to clean up after us?"
His eyes widened. "I've been afraid to have anyone here."
Perhaps she shouldn't have changed the tone. She licked her lips and placed her hands on his chest. "Why?"
"I don't want anyone to hurt you."
No. They'd not discuss some threat that should keep her here. "Kiss me."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
His hand brushed against her skin. The hair on her arms stood up, welcoming his touch. He swept her hair back from her face, leaned in, and kissed her.
Fireworks exploded in her stomach and the rest of the world faded to black. All that mattered was this kiss, this moment, this everything.
Her hands wrapped around his back to somehow keep him close. If he stayed with her then the ride would never end.
John took a step backwards and she followed, not letting him go.
Her fingers ached to touch him and she held her breath when he stopped by the bed. She lifted her chin and gazed into his blue eyes. He was her everything. She stood up on her tiptoes, and his arms wrapped around her waist. His lips met hers and a tidal wave of need overwhelmed her.
Alice gasped as he released her to kick off his shoes. In a frenzy, she lifted her dress up and over her head, tossing it to the floor.
His eyes gleamed, making her dizzy.
He unbuttoned his shirt and stripped off the clothes that hid his perfectly formed masculine body. Every nerve ending in her body stirred.
He kicked his pants to the side, which left only perfectly sculpted thighs and part of his muscular abdomen hidden under his black boxer briefs.
Impatience grew, but then his hands brushed the hair out of her face so he could kiss her, hard and demanding.
