Page 14 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“You’re trembling,” Hart whispered into her ear, clutching her against his chest.

She held him tightly around his waist and concentrated on her breathing—in and out, in and out. It took several minutes before she came down from the intense experience of a Hartford Parker orgasm. He seemed to sense she was more relaxed and pulled back, reaching down to the floor and delicately pulling her panties back up and over her bare private area.

“Thank you,” she managed to say while pulling her bra strap up and adjusting the C-cup to cover her breast. Biting her lower lip, she finally managed to look him in the eye. “That was… incredible.”

His eyes seemed to shine in the light as he smiled back at her. “You’re incredible.” She watched him gather her clothing from the floor.

“Wait. What about you?” she asked, taking her clothes from his hands.

“No.” He shook his head, gazing back at her, his smile subdued. “This was all about you tonight. I don’t want to push my luck.”

“Wait. What?” Confusion flooded her, the onset of panic immediate. Perhaps he wasn’t as attracted to her as she thought. She watched him walk across the dance floor to the stereo and turn it off. As he approached her in the silence of the starry room, she couldn’t help but be disappointed that their sexual encounter had ended.

“Put your clothes back on. I need to use your bathroom. Is it back there?” He pointed to the door in the corner.

Gia could only nod, further disappointment creeping into her being. He kissed her lightly on the cheek before walking away.

Shrugging on her sweater, she could feel tears brimming in her eyes. She stepped into her skirt, zipping it quickly in the back and looked at her reflection in the mirror, patting her messy hair back into place. Her heels clicked across the floor as she approached the panel of lights and turned off the disco ball, the fluorescent bulbs buzzing and popping as they came back on, the harshness of the light making her squint. When Hart returned, his beaming smile melted her heart. He reached his hand out and pulled her to his side.

“Grab your purse. I’ll walk you to your car.”

She nodded forlornly.

When they were outside in the brisk night air, she leaned against the door of her car and drank in the image of Hartford as he stood in front of her, caressing her face with his thumbs. She didn’t want the night to end.

“I don’t understand. You don’t want me to please you?” She boldly asked the question that had been on the tip of her tongue since the last quiver of her orgasm.

Hart shook his head. “Not tonight. Not after I told you the most embarrassing story of my life. That would have made this entire evening cliché.”

She was confused. “What do you mean?”

His hands ran down her arms to her fingertips, and he raised one of her hands to his mouth, kissing her skin. “I’m not that guy, Gia. Whether you believe me or not, I promise you; I don’t go to bed with every beautiful woman I meet.”

“Okay…”

“There’ll be plenty of time for my pleasure. I’d rather wait and have that special moment with you when my past doesn’t shadow it. Right now, I’m more concerned about pleasing you.” He tilted his head and grinned. “How are you feeling right now?”

Heat infused her cheeks again. “Fantastic. Relaxed.”

“Good. Mission accomplished.” He pulled her in for another hug, pushing her hair away from her ear. “I want to see you again. As soon as possible, if you’ll let me.” His breath was warm and intoxicating.

“I would love that.”

Hart grabbed both of her cheeks and planted a swift, wet kiss on her mouth, leaving her reeling. “I really need to go, Gia, or I’m not gonna make it home tonight. I’ll call you in the morning.” He kissed her again before pulling away with a lingering smile on his moist lips.

Sliding into the front seat, she looked up at him. “Good night, Hart.”

“Good night, sweet thing.” He winked and shut the door, sending her into a swoon.

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