Page 32 of Resilient Rhythms
I nod, placing his hand on my hip again before I wrap my arms around his neck. This time, I push up on my toes and kiss him. He responds instantly and our bodies relax as muscle memory takes over.
Once upon a time, our chemistry was undeniable. And it will be again, if we allow it.
Tonight, I’m crossing all the lines I tried to draw between us. I’m breaking my own rules. I’m saying yes to everything Maverick Tate is willing to give me.
“God, I missed you,” he murmurs as he pulls my shirt over my head.
“Me too,” I say as my hands push his pants over his hips.
Within minutes, we’re clad in only our underwear, and Mav is laying me down in the center of the bed.
“Tonight, this, it’s for you, Mckenna. I want to make you feel like you’re flying, beauty.”
I frown, reaching for him. “We can?—”
“Shh.” He cuts me off, shaking his head. “We can’t cross every line, sweetheart. Not yet.” Then he presses a kiss to the swell of my breast and settles between my thighs.
My fingers brush through his hair as Mav tugs the cup of my bra down to drag his tongue over my nipple before sucking my breast into his mouth. His other palms my other breast before giving it the same attention with his hot mouth. Then, he travels lower.
His lips create a pattern of swirls, of starbursts, down my frame, over my abdomen, my ribs, the tops of my thighs. By the time he tugs my lace panties down my legs, I’m nearly panting.
It’s been too long. And I’ve dreamed of this, with him, again.
“You okay, beauty?”
“Please, Mav,” I beg.
“Always, love.” He kisses methereand I sigh in relief, in gratitude.
His large hands clasp my inner thighs, widening my legs, as he buries his face between them. He kisses, nips, and licks deeply, slowly, beautifully. Dragging his tongue through my folds, I buck, needing more friction.
It’s tantalizing and agonizing and perfect. Mav builds me up slowly, allowing the pressure to coil, the need to mount, the desperation for release to reign.
“Maverick,” I cry out, coming apart on his tongue.
His fingers dig into my skin as he grips my thighs, licking and lapping as I ride out my orgasm.
As I level out, panting and sated, Mav slides back up my body. Grinning, he kisses me hard on the mouth.
I taste my own want, my desperate need, on his lips, and smile back. Then, I reach for him, but he moves out of my grasp.
“Not tonight. I told you, tonight is for you.” He pulls the duvet up to cover my naked body. Then, he kisses me again and brushes my hair back from my face.
“Mav, I want to—” I reach for him.
He shakes his head and moves out of my reach. “Not yet,” he whispers. “Sleep, Mckenna.”
His words seem to draw a yawn from my mouth, and I acquiesce, snuggling deeper into the bedding.
Mav’s fingertips curl around the shell of my ear. He presses my earlobe. “I’ll lock up, beauty. Close your eyes.”
“Are you sure?” I ask as exhaustion crashes over me.
“Positive.” He brushes a kiss to my forehead. “Good night, my love.”
“Good night, Mav,” I manage to say before sleep drags me under.
I sleep soundly. Peacefully.
