Page 68 of Rear View
He glanced down and a full smile stole across his expression, one that reached his eyes and transformed his face. He kicked off the counter, his stride easy and measured as he closed in. Those warm, capable hands gripped my hips before he tugged me to him, lining the soft curves of my body to the hard planes of his. “I’d say it’s about time.”
A silken laugh slipped from me as my fingers burrowed into his hoodie. He slid his hold to my waist and I angled my gaze to his while a wanton heat pooled between my thighs. His hungry eyes bore into mine before he canted closer, sealing the distance between us.
His mouth found mine and my lips parted against him.An eager sound escaped me as his tongue dived inside, tasting my own. And, oh, that tongue. He groaned, a starved man slaking his thirst when he advanced, driving me back until I was pressed against the wall. His hands raked up my spine before they knotted in my hair. I fell into him, wanting those hands anywhere. Everywhere. I never wanted them to stop.
He pulled back, his chest heaving while his fingers flexed against me. “I get to keep you, darlin’?”
I nuzzled my face into the corner of his jaw. “If you want me.”
A warm laugh rasped from the depths of his throat. “You have no idea.”
My mouth grazed his flesh as I tugged his shirt. “I don’t know what I’m ready for yet, Xavier. I just know I want you.”
His chest inflated as his calloused knuckle tipped my chin up and he set his forehead to mine. “We move at your pace. Only when you’re ready.”
A door popped open down the hall, and I jolted.
“Ry?” Zoya called, voice groggy, as if she’d just woken up. She stuck her head out. “Is that you—” She froze, eyes flying wide. “Holy shitballs!”
I’d forgotten she’d be home.Howhad I forgotten she’d be home? I stifled my laugh as the burn of a blush seared my cheeks. “Hey, Z.”
“I’ll, ugh.” She grinned. “I’ll leave you to it.” She ducked back inside, her door closing with a snap.
I snickered and found Xavier. “She’ll demand a full report in the morning.”
He laughed. “Hope it’s a good one, then.”
My smile was wide. “It will be.” Threading my fingers through his, my heart took an easy beat. Had I ever felt that way? Just…content?
His thumb tracked a slow line along my brow, then down my temple, to my jaw. He swallowed hard. “You’re so goddamn beautiful.”
Liquid heat pooled at the apex of my thighs. I shimmied onto my toes and he bracketed my waist with his arm, then drew me flush to his chest. My breasts pressed against him as I angled my face to his. He shifted, his lips grazing mine once and twice.
My mouth found his, the kiss gentle. His tongue trailed a languid line over my own. I pressed tighter, fingers curling my hands around his collar. I tugged him closer, wanting more. Wanting everythi—
He drew back. “Easy, Ry,” he said, his tone light.
I winced. “Sorry.”
“Nah. No apologies. I’m just tryin’ to keep myself in check.”
Wasn’t sure that’s whatIwanted, but it was probably best. Diving in too fast was never a good idea, especially for me.
His eyes moved between mine. “I’ve gotta head to Emerald Cove tomorrow for another race weekend.”
I frowned. “Oh.”
“Not gonna lie, darlin’.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “I’m livin’ for that pout in your voice right now.”
I laughed, the sound high and feminine and entirely proud. “How long are you gone?”
“Till Sunday night.” He brushed several strands of hair back from my face, his calloused touch grazing my shoulder.
“Okay,” I uttered, my throat going scratchy when I tucked my head into the hollow of his neck. The thoughtof him leaving gouged a cavern into the depths of my chest. But for the moment, he was there, with me. And I’d take every second I could get.
Chapter Sixteen
Xavier
