Page 83 of Stealthy Seduction
Suddenly, he stood, pulling her up with him. Taking her in his arms, he brushed his lips across hers once…twice…a third time, until they were both shaking with the desire for more.
When he drew back, her eyes were fogged with need. He squeezed her tight against him and buried his nose in her hair. “I want to continue this so damn bad, but Con is waiting to talk to you.”
She drew in a quick breath. Then a moment later, she nodded, cheek against his chest. “What am I supposed to tell him?”
“The truth, from a journalist’s perspective.”
She blinked as if what he said surprised her.
“Tell him everything about your conversation with Cipher—every detail, everything that seemed important or strange or off.”
She nodded slowly. “And after I talk to Con?”
A slow smile spread across his face, the kind that had probably gotten him in trouble many times. “After you talk to Con, we celebrate the successful completion of my first unsanctioned mission.”
“How exactly does one celebrate an unsanctioned mission?”
“Very carefully.” He chuckled. “Andverythoroughly,” he drawled.
The space between them seemed to crackle with electricity. Izzy’s eyes went wide, her lips parting slightly as she processed the promise in his words.
“Hudson…”
“Izzy…” He cupped her beautiful face and searched her gleaming eyes. “Life is short and dangerous and unpredictable. And I don’t want to waste another damn second pretending that what I feel for you is anything less than completely life-changing.”
She was quiet for a long moment, as if analyzing the reasons why this was complicated and risky and potentially catastrophic.
Then she smiled—that brilliant, take-no-prisoners smile that first caught his attention across a poker table—and looped her arms around his neck, leaning into him.
Izzy melted against him, her body fitting perfectly against his, as if they’d been designed specifically for each other. Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging slightly in a way that sent electricity straight down his spine.
Their lips met in a seeking kiss of new beginnings and more promise than he ever believed could happen to him.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, he rested his forehead against hers.
“I should go talk to Con,” she said, though she made no move to step away.
“You should.” He traced lazy patterns on her back. “Once we’re alone again”—his voice came out rough with promise—“I’m going to show youjusthow thoroughly I intend to celebrate.”
She shivered, and he felt her pulse jump against his throat where she’d pressed closer.
“I’ll hold you to that,” she whispered.
“I’m counting on it.”
One more kiss—quick and sweet and full of anticipation—and then she was stepping back, smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes with the efficiency of someone preparing for battle.
“Con’s probably in the war room?” she asked.
“Most likely. And Izzy?”
She paused at the door.
“I love you.”
He watched her face transform, watched hope and joy and something deeper than both settle in her amber eyes.
“I love you too,” she rasped. “So much it scares me.”
