Page 4 of Nico
"Not at all." Twisting her head, she studied the sketch, brows raised in surprise. "That's me."
He grinned, a dimple creasing the left side of his cheek. "Very observant."
Taking the sketch from him, she studied it in detail. It was her on the floor, her head turned to the left and one arm slightly lifted, and it was perfect even though it was rough and done in pencil. The man was brilliantly talented.
"What will you do with it?"
"Finish it in charcoal and hang it in my bedroom."
She lifted her eyes to his face and had the urge to run her fingers through his dense hair. "Without my permission?"
"Creative freedom." He shrugged and took the sketch from her. "Ready?"
"Just about. Don't you have a board meeting tomorrow?"
He grimaced and rose lithely, circling the desk so that he was standing in front of her. "Something I have every intention of forgetting until the last minute." He tilted her chin up and bent his head to crush his lips against hers. It was intended to be a light caress, but the sparks went off immediately. Her arms came around his waist and she leaned into the kiss, forcing him to take it deeper. He loved the taste of her, the sweet dark mystery of her mouth that had shattered him the first time he kissed her.
His hands wandered up and down her back before circling her neck and removing the pins she had so carefully tidied her hair with. Long artist fingers combed through the thick strands as his mouth devoured hers.
His breathing was harsh, his body tight with need. Lifting his mouth from hers, he eased back and shook his head.
"What you do to me. How about we get out of here before I end up making a fool of myself and giving your esteemed boss a show?"
Sadie placed a hand flat on his chest as if to ward him off and battled with the emotions tumbling around inside her. She wanted to suggest forcibly that they both take a step back. To give the argument that she was not ready for this. Instead, she nodded her assent, her body primed and ready for him.
Chapter 2
"Dance with me." As soon as they stepped into the foyer and removed their outer clothing, he took her into his arms and called for Beethoven. He usually worked with the classics and some R&B bleeding through the speakers he had set up all over the place.
Wrapping his arms around her, he placed his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes. Feeling her against him steadied him considerably. The scent of her, subtle and exotic, the slender curves beneath his hands made him want to hold her for a very long time.
And he especially loved this time when they were all alone. He was observant enough to realize that she was afraid or rather cautious. She had expressed her reservations and had confided in him about her past relationships.
He had no intention of rushing her, but there were times like now, he wanted to. Marriage? He mused that it was serious business, and it was probably prudent for them to wait.
Lifting her head from his chest, she met his eyes, her own dreamy and expectant.
"I love the look of you," he murmured. He touched her cheek and trailed his finger over her smooth skin. "I had a time of it trying to place the color of your skin," he added. "Caramel. Soft, smooth, and flawless."
She cocked her head at him, heart turning over. "Are you trying to seduce me, Coulter?"
He raised a thick brow. "Is it working?"
"Hmm." She lifted her hand and brushed back the hair that had fallen over his forehead. She had taken off her shoes and only came to his chest. His shoulders were broad, his chest wide and extremely comfortable. "I'd say that's a yes."
He touched his lips to hers, playfully, gently, nibbling at her full bottom lip, sending shivers up and down her spine. The man had a mouth on him that was designed to destroy and titillate.
His eyes were open, watching her eyes change as the passion soared. She was usually cool and confident and remarkably strong. He loved a strong and confident woman and especially loved slowly and systematically destroying that confidence. He enjoyed having her trembling beneath him, her slender curves reacting to his touches.
"Nico." Her voice was husky, fingers plucking at his shirt.
"Hmm. You taste like heaven."
"Nico." She wanted him to stop. No, she wanted him to transport her to paradise and continue to destroy her senses.
"Kiss me back," he ordered hoarsely. "I want to taste you."
Helplessly, she opened her mouth and sighed raggedly when his tongue plunged. Heat turned into open flames that threatened to explode between them. His tongue invaded her mouth as he banded his arms around her small waist, almost lifting her off her feet.
