Page 15 of Howl Me to the Moon
Rex turned to me. “Are you cold?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “It’s a bit chilly out here.”
“I’ll keep you warm,” he promised. He pulled me into his arms, enclosing me in the heat of his muscular body.
I breathed in his scent, so earthy and masculine. My heart beat harder, pressed against his chest beneath the moonlight. The tension from earlier that day slipped away as all I could focus on was him.
One song melded into the next as we embraced, swaying gently. Others walked by, but I barely noticed.
Rex bent low and his breath tickled my ear. “You know, I didn’t expect anything like this when I joined the band. Meeting someone like you,” he murmured. “I’m glad I found you.”
My pulse jolted while my breath came quicker. “Me too,” I admitted, completely grateful that the surly selkie had quit the band.
When I pulled back to glance up at him, his eyes smoldered with a feral hunger that left me spellbound. No doubt he was a wolf. Utterly fascinating, undeniably captivating.
I stared up at him, one heartbeat thudding after another. His gaze lowered to my lips, and I ceased to breathe.
“I want to kiss you.” His voice sounded throaty and edged with need.
My chest heaved as I gulped oxygen. When I found my voice, it trembled. “Rex?”
“Yes?”
My body heated with desire, aching with need. “Do it.”
A low growl reverberated from his chest. He cupped my face with both hands, bent down slowly, and kissed me.
Magic vibrated through me like the sizzling energy in the air before a storm. I almost lost my footing, but he held me up and pulled my body close to him.
He claimed my mouth, delving deeper. Possessive. Determined. As if branding me with his touch.
He pulled away a fraction and rumbled, “Mine.”
CHAPTER 10
PIPER
The next day, I tried to focus on my work at the gallery, but it was hard not to remember Rex’s lips. That kiss was unforgettable. Every time I thought about it, I had to suppress a delicious shiver. A smile crept across my lips, and I pressed my fingers to them.
“What are you thinking about?” Sloane teased.
“Nothing, nothing,” I said quickly, dropping my hand.
Focus. I couldn’t let a simple kiss interfere with what I should be concentrating on—serious things, like a stolen painting and my job being on the line. Right. Time to get to work.
Fortunately, I made a few sales at the auction that afternoon, which took the edge off my fraying nerves. Once I was finished for the day, I knew exactly where I wanted to go to let off a little steam.
First, I stopped by my cabin to change and check my appearance. I took extra time, putting on a flattering dress that clung a bit at my upper body and waist before flowing out around my hips. The blue color complemented my complexion. I added a bit of mascara to accentuate my eyes, slipped on a few silver bangles and dangling earrings, gave myself a once-over in the mirror, and then left my cabin, heading for the Nocturnal Lounge.
As I approached, the deep bass from the music reached my ears, encouraging a little pep in my step. I tried not to rush, not wanting to look too eager, but my body practically vibrated with anticipation.
When I entered the lounge, the band was playing Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box,” part of their alternative ‘90s set, which I’d seen featured in the ship’s daily updates. The moment I stepped inside, my eyes immediately sought Rex out. He caught my gaze and smiled broadly. A hot little shudder rocked through me, and my hands trembled slightly as I made my way to the bar to order a drink.
Once seated on a stool, I sipped my fruity cocktail, leaned back, and focused on the show. I had seen the band perform many times before with their former bassist, but tonight was different. Now, I experienced the show in a completely new way, one in which I couldn’t keep my eyes off Rex.
The music vibrated deep inside me, under my skin, wrapping around my bones. My gaze couldn’t stray from him for long, often returning to stake out his appealing frame. His stance was wide as he held his bass, his fingers moving so skillfully over the strings. Such big hands. Such skillful fingers.
My thoughts leaped to far-from-innocent scenarios with what he could do with those hands.
