Page 45 of Darla's Christmas Knight
Robertwas hers. For the rest of their lives together.
But she had lied earlier, giving in to her lingering fear.
Tonight might not be the night he proposed, but shewasready.
Ready to say yes.
Yes to givinghimher heart.
Yes to the forever he promised.
And she could no longer contain the words flooding her soul. “I love you, Robert Björn Bellerose.”
He gave a short gasp followed by a glow of satisfaction.His features softened, and he placed his lips against her neck, right there beneath her ear. That soft touch sent shockwaves of desire through her, coalescing deep in her core. She squirmed, clenching her inner muscles, and couldn’t stop a small sigh escaping.
“Darla,” he whispered, their eyes locking.
Losing herself in that almost translucent blue stare, she whispered back, “How soundproof is the privacy screen?”
His eyes flared. “Completely.”
“I’ve always had this fantasy involving a limousine ….”
Bobby’s body stilled. “Tell me.”
She sighed. “Unfortunately, I’ve seen the injuries from people not wearing seatbelts, so alas, it will remain a fantasy.”
“I can be inventive,” he said, touching her knee. His hand warmed her skin through the gossamer silk covering her leg. “Whatever shall I do next?”
Darla settled back against the seat, demurely placing her hands on the leather on either side of her hips. She moved her legs, creating a small gap between her knees. “Slide your hand higher,” she said, turning her head to meet his stare directly.
Slowly, very slowly, Bobby obeyed, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. The limousine cut through the dark Texas countryside, the rasp of callouses on silk joining the low hum of the engine. The air surrounding them turned thick, their breathing labored, laden with expectation. Her skirt shifted, a cool breeze wafted over her exposed knees, drifting higher as his hand moved farther up her leg.
He stopped where her thighs touched. Mere inches to go. “Open wider, Darla.”
She moved her outside leg. Cool air hit her heated core, and she shivered.
His thumb caressed her skin, stopping abruptly when he encountered the lace band holding the silk stocking in place.He growled, and leaned in, almost looming over her despite the constraints of his seatbelt. “A garter?”
She grinned. “Surprise.” And there was another surprise waiting for him. She just hadn’t expected it to be discovered before they had dinner. “Higher,” she instructed.
His hand passed over the lace to bare skin, the tip of his thumb skimming where her leg joined her hip.
Almost there.
She fought to remain still, to not tilt into his touch.
“You’re on fire, love. For me,” he gloated, a lopsided, self-satisfied smile twitching his lips.
Years ago, he had set her ablaze. Anyone in between had been a cool substitute. She lifted her hand, splaying over the back of his head, his hair springy and soft against her palm, and lost herself in his mesmerizing stare. “Only you. For always.”
Holding her gaze captive, he said, “Lift your leg” — his fingers pressed into her soft inner thigh flesh — “over mine.”
As if dragging her limb through quagmire, she obeyed, anticipation quickening her breath.
Bobby’s hand moved higher. Closer.
And finally,finallyhe touched her.
