Page 32 of Second to None
Chapter 10
Max settled Emily closer on the leather sofa cushions, loving the curve of her bottom fitting against his groin. He lowered his nose to her delightfully mussed hair and inhaled the scent of citrus and satisfied woman.
She had gone so quiet and still that he whispered, “Are you asleep?”
“No, just hypnotized by the flames. And feeling very good.”
He dropped a kiss on the crown of her head. “May I return the compliment?” It was hard to believe that she was lying naked in his arms, something he’d fantasized about many nights at Camp Lejeune. The reality outstripped the dreams by miles, especially when he’d seen those outrageously sexy stockings. Those he hadn’t expected.
She was right when she said they’d both changed since those days in North Carolina. But that made their coming together all the more intense, because now they had more to offer each other.
He rubbed his cheek against her shoulder, enjoying the fact that he was permitted to touch her skin at last.
“Mmm,” she said, her voice a purr of contentment. “Feel free to continue.”
“I intend to.” Under the blanket, he ran his hand over the sinuous curve of her hip and thigh. “I’ve waited seven years to be able to do this.” He realized he’d spoken out loud and cursed his stupidity.
He felt a tremor run through her. “That’s a long time. I ... I didn’t know you felt that way back then.”
Since he’d put his foot in it, he needed to see her face. Sliding the blanket off himself, he wrapped it around her and sat them both up on the sofa. He grabbed his trousers and pulled them on before he sat down again.
Emily’s gaze was on the fire, so he took her chin to turn her face toward him. “I knew it was wrong to want the wife of a man whom I both liked and admired. I couldn’t control my feelings, but I could control my behavior.”
“That’s why you avoided coming to dinner that last month,” she said, understanding in her eyes.
“Saying no to your invitations required almost superhuman self-denial. I desperately wanted to be near you, but it was also torture.”
“After you left, you never e-mailed or called Jake.” A look of horror crossed her face. “Did ... did Jake find out? Is that why?”
“Oh, God, no! I never gave him any indication.” Max stared into the red heart of the fire. “I didn’t e-mail because it reminded me of you. And when I thought of you in that way, it felt dishonorable.” And made him ache with impossible longing.
“I’ve never considered myself that kind of woman.”
He turned back to see her press her hand against her cheek. “What do you mean? What kind of woman?”
She shook her head. “One that inspires those feelings in a man. Especially a man like you.” She let her hand drop and stared down at it resting on her lap. “You haven’t ... waited for me, have you?”
“I didn’t expect to ever see you again.”
“I’m glad.” She threw him a quick glance. “I wouldn’t want you to be ... alone.”
“When you walked into my office, I hated myself all over again for how I reacted to you.” He took her hand, twining his fingers with hers. “When you told me Jake had been killed, I hated myself more for not staying in touch. I was a coward, while Jake had the courage of a lion. I mourn his loss.”
“I know you do.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Because you’re a good man, just like he was. He wouldn’t begrudge us this. I’m sure of that.”
Relief flooded him, making him feel almost giddy. “However, he would be upset with me for not giving you the dinner I promised.”
“Oh, right. Therewassome mention of dinner.” Emily’s face lit with amused dismay. “I hope the butler hasn’t been hovering just outside the door, waiting to serve us.”
He lifted their joined hands and kissed her fingers. “He’s envying me right now.”
She flushed deep pink. “Seriously—”
“Seriously, the food is in that warming cabinet in the corner.” He nodded toward the windows.
She blew out a breath. “We still should put on some clothes.”
“I’d much rather you sat across from me wearing only your stockings.” He heard the rasp in his voice but couldn’t stop it. “I want to see the candlelight tracing the curves of your breasts.”
