Page 61 of Tangled Up

“At church, getting ready for the festival tomorrow.” Reaching up, I lift the little metal hook out of the metal loop attached to the door frame.

The screen door falls open a crack, and he hooks a finger on the wood, pulling it open all the way. “Would you dance with me?”

All I can think about are my bestie’s words,he’s grown up, and he knows what he wants.He’s definitely grown up, and my eyes trace the lines of his chest through the maroon tee he’s wearing. His biceps stretch the sleeves, and his dark hair has fallen in a sexy curl over his left eye.

He is all grown up, and he’s gorgeous. “I’ll dance with you, but that’s all.”

Straight white teeth appear with his smile, and a naughty twinkle is in his eyes. “I’ll take what I can get. Start that over. It’s our song.”

Turning around, I walk back to my phone and start the song over. Steven Tyler talks about a woman who drives him crazy, but we never listened to that part. Beck reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me to him.

In my bare feet, my face is at the center of his chest, but he leans down, pressing his nose into the top of my head and inhaling deeply. It sends chills skating down my arms. I’m surrounded by his seductive scent of sandalwood and salt and sex.

He leans closer to my ear. “That kind of lovin’ turns a man to a slave.”

My panties drench, and I can’t believe I thought dancing with him to this song wouldn’t lead to more. We’ve been together twice since he blasted into town, and my body is begging for more of my favorite drug. It’s so easy, so good…

“I’ve been thinking about you every minute since our first night.” His voice is at my ear as we sway side to side.

“You have?” My fingers curl in the fabric of his shirt.

“You feel so good in my arms.” Large hands slide along my waist and up my back. “Kiss me, Carly.”

Lifting my chin, I meet his eyes, smoldering blue under his dark brow. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“It’s just a kiss.”

My eyes drop to his full lips, and I slide my hand up the planes of his chest, threading my fingers in his hair. His hands go under my ass, lifting me onto the bar, putting us face to face.

His voice is thick with need. “One kiss.”

I can’t stop. I lean forward, and he meets me in the middle. Our mouths crash together, lips parting with a moan, and his tongue finds mine, sliding together and curling. My pussy flutters as his large hands squeeze my ass before sliding higher to my waist, higher cupping my breasts, thumbs circling hardened nipples. I moan again, and he plunges his fingers into my hair.

My head drops back, and I gasp for breath as he nips at my jawline before tilting my face back to his. He devours me. My breasts strain against my thin shirt, and my hips rise on the counter. I’m panting as his mouth moves to my cheek and then to my ear.

“You’re so beautiful, Carls. You’re still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His voice is hot, and emotion swells in my heart. “You’re everything I want.”

I hiccup a breath. I can’t speak. I can barely breathe. My lips are heavy, and his mouth covers mine again. I’m putty in his hands, kissing, holding, clenching. My hands fist in his shirt, tugging at his tee, wanting to rip it off his rippling body. I want his massive cock inside, thrusting, pumping…

Only… Wait.

Through the hot haze of mixing wine with desire and flooding my brain with sex hormones, I remember my promise to myself. I’m being smart this time. I have to stop.

“Slow down.” I put my hands on his chest, and I hold him.

We’re both breathing fast, and he’s standing over me, looking down and waiting for what I’m about to say. He’s so much bigger. He feels overwhelming, both in his size and in my body’s desire for him.

“Okay.” He steps away and turns to face the screen door.

I’m sitting on the bar, and I watch as his deep breaths expand his broad shoulders, as he slides his hand down the front of his jeans. He’s amazing, a work of art, and I almost feel shy around him, which is silly.

“You said you wanted something more.” My stomach pinches, and I feel like I’m presuming, forcing him to confess.

“I do want more.” He tilts his head, looking up at me from beneath his lowered brow. “I want us to be together again.”

He sounds so earnest, it hurts.

Clearing my throat, I ease myself off the bar and straighten my clothes. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I think it’s possible, but—”

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