Page 38 of The Sweet Part
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May
He kissed me. Or I kissed him. I’m not sure who went first but wow. A shock of excitement went through me at first touch, and then I just wanted to climb his body and ravish him. That scared the hell out of me, so I slammed on the brakes. I’m not one to rush to the bedroom.
I glance over at him as we finish up dinner. He told me about his big noisy family. And here I thought my family held the record for nuttiest people. His mom went to her prom as Darth Vader for one, his uncle Josh and aunt Hailey had a frenemy war that people still talk about, and he and his brothers nearly killed each other growing up, “all in good fun,” as they wrestled and explored the woods. I shudder to think of managing four rowdy boys. Just one girl is exhausting.
He sets his fork down. “Would you like dessert?”
My breath catches, his dark eyes intent on mine. Is dessert sex?
His gaze drops to my lips, and I desperately want him to kiss me again.
“Yes.” My voice sounds throaty.
He stands, and I stare at his broad manly chest. My pulse skitters. Does he think this is casual sex too? I never answered him before when he said date or casual, but I can’t let myself get serious about another man. Rick was my first and last love. It’s safer that way.
He passes by me and goes to the other room. Am I supposed to follow him? I smooth my hair and pop a breath mint.
He returns a moment later, carrying the box of chocolates from Shane’s Sweets he gave me earlier. Ah. He meant actual dessert. I’m craving him not dessert. I just have to let him know. Right? Sophie’s spending the night at Alice’s place. This is the ideal time.
He opens the box and sets it in front of me. “You first.”
I chicken out. “Thanks.” I pick a chocolate that looks promising, round like maybe it has a cherry inside. I pop the chocolate in my mouth, and a rich chocolate ganache with a hint of cherry brings a moment of pure bliss. “Mmm.”
He stares at my mouth. I lick my lips. He turns back to the box, picks out one, and then feeds it to me. I flush hot, enjoying the chocolate while delicious anticipation races through me. But then his brows knit together like he’s thinking hard. His serious expression makes me think he’s about to be a gentleman and say goodnight. I’m losing my chance! I need to make a move!
I stand abruptly. “Do you want to go upstairs?”
He’s quiet.
Oh great. I finally make a move on a guy first, and he’s not into it. This is so freaking embarrassing. Do I sit down again or run out the door? There’s no taking it back. It’s just out there. An unreturnedI want you.
Finally, he says something. “I want you too, but are you sure?”
He must be worried about the fact that I come with strings. I can do the casual thing. I’ve wanted him from the moment I saw him on TV. Meeting him in real life took the attraction to a whole ’nother level.
“It doesn’t have to mean anything,” I say with a smile.
He takes my hand, his thumb brushing lightly against the inside of my wrist. The sensitive skin tingles.
He stands, his eyes hot on mine as he shifts close. My heart thumps harder. He wraps an arm around my waist and with a quick tug makes me tip into him. My entire body softens as his body presses against mine.
His warm hand cups the back of my neck. A shiver of excitement races down my spine. He shifts, speaking near my ear, his breath hot against my skin. “So you want casual sex?”
The wordsexcoming out of his mouth shoots straight through me. I throb. “God, yes.”
He kisses me urgently, setting off a fire of desire. I clutch his shoulders as he palms my ass, pulling me up on tiptoe against him. His hard desire pressed right where I need it most makes me let go. I lose myself in the feel of his mouth claiming mine. The kiss goes on and on, consuming me, making me ache. I lift a leg, wrapping it around his. I need more. Much more.
He breaks the kiss and takes my hand, his voice low and husky. “Be sure, May. This is a line we can’t uncross.”
I’ll probably never see him again after this, which means it doesn’t matter.
“Let’s cross all the lines tonight,” I say.
With a sound that’s between a growl and a groan, he scoops me up and carries me upstairs. This is better than any fantasy I’ve had about him.
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