Page 68 of Caught Up In You (The Monroes 2)

His question was asked on a chuckle and Cora shrugged. “Maybe I am. Maybe I’m thinking about driving until it gets pitch-black and then having my wicked way with you.”

Braxton growled. “You’re pushing me and you’re going to have to pay the consequences if you keep taunting me.”

“I hope so,” she retorted, feeling a bit more sass than usual. He brought out the absolute best side of her, the real side of Corinne Buchanan.

“You drove so long, Heidi is passed out in the backseat,” Braxton told her.

“She’s earned her naps. She’s adjusted so well to being here and I’ve had her working hard on learning the path at the resort.”

“There should be a lever on your left side,” he told her. “Check the end of it and see if it turns for the lights.”

Cora felt for the lever and turned the end as instructed. “That do it?” she asked.

“We’re good. Drive as long as you want. We have plenty of gas.”

A sliver of guilt slid through her. “Are you bored out of your mind watching me drive aimlessly?”

“I watched you sleep last night. I tried to sleep, but you were so breathtaking lying there that I couldn’t take my eyes away. I wasn’t bored then and I’m not bored now.”

Cora brought the Jeep to a stop but continued to grip the steering wheel as his words washed over her.

“For the past year of my life I’ve been restless and out of control,” he went on, his voice softer now. “I’ve been searching for something to fill this void after Chelsea’s death and then when my engagement ended. Being with you feels like nothing I’ve ever experienced and I can’t explain it. So never doubt that I

want to be with you. I’m not bored. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

Too many emotions ran through her at his raw confession. He’d not come out and said the words, but she knew his feelings were running deeper than she’d been prepared for . . . which gave her a little relief considering her feelings were a bit out of control. She couldn’t keep up with how fast her emotions were running away from her, so Cora opted to go along for the ride. Literally and figuratively.

Putting the car in park, she killed the engine and unsnapped her belt.

“What are you—”

In an instant, she hiked up her maxiskirt, fumbled over the console and straddled Braxton’s lap. “I thought I’d show my thanks now. Is that a problem?”

For a half second he said nothing, did nothing, then those big, powerful hands of his gripped her hips. “The only problem is you’re wearing too many clothes.”

He took the bunched material and jerked it higher around her waist. Cora tipped her hips toward his and let her head fall back as his hand traveled up her bare thigh to her center.

Cora reached out to hold on to his shoulders as he caressed her. The man could pleasure her so fast with very little effort, which just proved how potent he was when it came to knowing her body, her needs.

She trailed her fingertips down his taut abs, then reached for the button on his jeans. She lifted slightly on her knees for better access. When his hands covered hers, she froze.

“I’ll get it,” he told her, his voice husky. “You’ve got me too worked up.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“You’re sexy as hell just sitting there and your little pants are just about to kill me.”

Had she panted? Hmmm, probably. Braxton and his talented hands were most definitely pant-worthy, that was for sure.

“I don’t have any protection,” she stated, realizing now was the worst time to have this revelation.

“I didn’t plan on this out here, so I don’t either. But I swear I’m clean. I’ve been reckless, but I haven’t been stupid.”

Cora slid her hands up under his shirt, needing to feel those rippled muscles beneath her palms. “I’m on birth control and I know I’m clean. I’ve only been with one other person and I’ve had a physical since.”

Braxton’s lips nipped at hers. “Then what are we waiting on?” he murmured. “I’m ready to be thanked properly.”

Cora laughed as she adjusted her body against his. Slowly she joined them, closing her eyes and giving in to the desires flooding through her. Braxton’s hands gripped her hips and held her still.

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