Читать книгу Marriage On Demand - Susan Mallery, Susan Mallery - Страница 8

“Are you all right?” Rebecca asked as Austin stumbled in the darkness.

His answer was a mumbled curse.

She stood where he’d left her, in the middle of his living room. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, and her knees felt weak.

He’d touched her. Even thinking about his brief caress sent the blood racing through her veins. His hand on the back of her neck had been hot and hard. He’d stared at her as if he wanted to devour her for dinner, then dish up the remains for breakfast. She wasn’t sure she would have refused him.

Even though it was dark and there was no one to see her blush, she covered her cheeks with her palms. How could she think that about him? A crush was one thing, but casual sex with a man she barely knew was something quite different. Oh sure, she’d thought about making love with Austin hundreds of times. But thinking and doing were two different things…weren’t they?

Have you ever had sex with a stranger?

He would never know the images his question had evoked. She’d already seen Austin naked, so it wasn’t difficult to picture him aroused. His body had been all that she’d imagined. Before she’d slammed the bathroom door shut, she’d seen his long, powerful legs, the breadth and definition of his chest. Between his thighs she’d seen dark curls and his…his organ!

In all her twenty-nine years, she’d only ever seen one other man naked. Wayne had been blond and built like a bear, all thick limbs and barrel-chested. He’d been an all-American linebacker at college their senior year. Everything about him was so different from Austin’s lean grace, and dark, demonic, good looks.

Wayne had been someone she’d laughed with, someone who had grown up with the same rules and goals as she had. Wayne had understood about values, about the importance of other people’s feelings. Wayne had been warm and sensitive.

Austin was none of those things. He was a loner. She’d always wondered about his past, but she’d never thought he would have lived in the Glenwood children’s home. She’d heard that he’d been wild as a teenager, breaking rules and the law, getting into trouble. Even now he lived up to his reputation. Between his self-made fortune, his gold earring and his women, he flouted the conventions of their small town. He was nothing like Wayne, nothing like herself. So why couldn’t she stop thinking about him?

The sun had set behind the clouds, taking away the last of the light. From another part of the loft, drawers were being opened and slammed shut. After several minutes she heard the scratch of a match, then a weak flicker of light danced off the far wall.

“You might as well come into the kitchen,” Austin called out. “I don’t have enough candles for the whole place. Can you see your way?”

“I’m fine,” she said, and wondered if she had the courage to take him up on his less than gracious invitation. She’d hoped he found her at least slightly attractive. But her answers to his questions had pointed out to both of them that she was far from his type. A man with a reputation of being the devil himself wouldn’t be interested in a woman like her.

She walked around the wing chair and toward the light. Austin stood by the phone, staring at the receiver. He banged it once against the wall and listened. Then he slammed it back in place.

“The line’s out.”

“I figured as much,” she said.

He planted his hands on his hips and stared at her. “Looks like you’re stuck with me for the night.”

I don’t mind.

She didn’t say the words, but she must have thought them pretty loudly because Austin stiffened, raising his head slightly and staring at her. He reminded her of a wildcat catching scent of its prey.

Squat candles sat in saucers around the kitchen and on the butcher-block table. The flames danced in time to a rhythm she could neither feel nor hear. The storm raged around them, but for once she wasn’t afraid of the lightning or the thunder. It was as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist. She was alone with this man. Time had disappeared, along with common sense. She had this night. Ignoring the fact that she was naked under his robe and feeling extremely vulnerable, she balled her hands into fists and promised herself not to waste it.

“Are you hungry—”

“Would you like me to fix—”

They spoke at the same time. Austin recovered first. “Are you hungry?”

“A little. I could fix something, if you’d like. Is the stove gas or electric?”

He turned to glance at the range set into a granite counter. “The starters are electric, but the unit is gas.”

“No problem. If you have another match, I can start it manually.” She spoke briskly and walked over to the refrigerator. After pulling it open, she glanced at the contents. “What sounds good? There are a couple of steaks, some salad, a—”

Something warm brushed the back of her hand. She gasped and jumped back. The refrigerator door slowly swung shut.

Austin stood close enough for her to see the hairs on his chest and the slow thudding pulse at the base of his neck. She had the most incredible urge to plant her mouth there and taste his skin.

She bit down hard on her lower lip to keep from yelping her embarrassment. What on earth was wrong with her? She hadn’t had more than a sip of his doctored coffee, so it couldn’t be the alcohol. Maybe standing out in the rain had left her brain waterlogged.

“You don’t have to cook for me,” he said.

“I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do after all the trouble I’ve been.”

“Far be it from me to interfere with a woman on a mission of mercy.” He stepped back and motioned to the refrigerator. “Help yourself.”

She worked quickly and efficiently. He directed her when she needed to find a bowl or a pot, and within twenty minutes they were eating dinner.

While she’d been cooking the steak, Austin had set the table and opened a bottle of red wine. She sipped cautiously, not wanting the wine to loosen her tongue. She was already in too much danger of saying something stupid. Heaven knows what would happen if she got drunk!

They chatted about mutual acquaintances in town and the children. She forced herself to concentrate on his words, rather than on the way the candlelight made his skin glow like burnished gold. He’d pulled on a shirt, but hadn’t bothered to fasten it. She didn’t want to say anything and have him do up the buttons, but it was hard not to stare.

“What about you?” he asked, pouring her another glass of wine. “Why are you taking care of other people’s children, instead of having a half dozen of your own?”

“What makes you think I want children?”

He raised one eyebrow. Gosh, she really wanted to know how he managed to do that. The storm had decreased in fury, but the lights hadn’t come back on yet. The candlelight slipped shadows across his face, making his expression impossible to read.

“You’re the type,” he said. “Are you telling me you don’t?”

“I do.” She pushed her fork around her plate. “It just hasn’t worked out that way.”

“Still waiting for Mr. Right?”

For the first time that day, she could meet his gaze without thinking anything improper. She shook her head. “Not exactly. Mr. Right died.”

He’d raised the wineglass to his lips, but now he set it down untasted. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. It’s been a while, so I’ve recovered. I’ll never forget him, of course. Wayne was—” she smiled “—nothing like you.”

“I’m not surprised.” His expression was unreadable.

“I don’t mean that in a bad way.”

“I never thought you did.”

She wasn’t sure if he was angry or simply making conversation. It was easier to assume the latter. “Wayne and I met in college. He was bright, funny. He looked like a big blond bear, but he was sweet and gentle. We got engaged, but I wanted to put off the wedding until I had my masters degree. We’d set the date and everything, but three months before the wedding, he was in a bad car accident. A year later he died.”

“Must have been hard on you.”

A polite remark most people made. Funny, but she had the feeling Austin really meant it. “It was. About a year and a half after I lost him, I moved here. Like I said, I’ll never forget him, but it’s getting easier.”

Most of the time. Without wanting to she remembered the way Wayne had looked in his hospital room and the expression on his face when the doctor had told him he would never walk again, would never do all the physical things he’d so loved. She remembered his pain when the doctor had gently explained he would never be “a man” again. Wayne hadn’t been able to meet her eyes. He’d never cried in her presence, but she’d shed enough tears for the both of them.

It was her greatest regret, she acknowledged to herself. She would have married Wayne, anyway, and had that last year together, but he didn’t want to. He told her he wouldn’t saddle her with someone who was less than a man. He’d sounded so bitter that she’d never brought up the subject again. But it had lingered in that hospital room like an unwelcome third party. He’d never said the words, but she knew he blamed her.

It was her fault. She’d been the one to hold back. While they’d dated and been engaged, they’d played and loved like any young couple, but they’d put off going all the way until they were married. Because she’d asked him to. There had been so many wonderfully sensual things to do together that she hadn’t minded not consummating their love. Until it was too late and she’d found out their love would never be expressed in the ultimate act of sharing. She would never marry the man she loved, never carry his child.

All the years they’d spent together, she’d guarded her virginity, ready to give it as the most precious gift a bride could bring her husband. In the end, Wayne had died hating her for keeping herself from him. Her innocence had mocked him, reminding him of what he’d lost, of what he could never have again. It mocked her, as well. She was an anachronism. A twenty-nine-year-old virgin who had saved herself. For what? Her “gift” was a reminder of all she’d lost. It no longer had meaning. She wanted it disposed of and forgotten.

“Rebecca?”

“Hmm?” She glanced up and saw Austin staring at her. She blinked several times. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking.”

“About Wayne?”

She sighed. “Yes. It’s difficult losing someone like that. There were so many unresolved issues. I wanted to explain it all to him, but he wouldn’t listen. I can’t blame him. It was my fault.”

She stopped talking and realized Austin didn’t have a clue what she was going on about. He nodded encouragingly, giving her permission to continue, but she couldn’t. What was she supposed to say? Gee, Austin, I’m really upset because my late fiancé and I never went all the way. I’m a twenty-nine-year-old virgin and I’m sick of it. Want to help me out?

Her line of thinking should have shocked her. It didn’t. Which meant she was in more trouble than she’d thought.

She didn’t know how long she’d been quiet, but suddenly she became aware of a tension in the room. It was a subtle vibration that seemed to reach deep inside of her, warming her from the inside out, causing her pulse to quicken and her skin to tingle.

She glanced across the table and saw Austin watching her. His gray eyes glowed in the candlelight. His irises were the color of the storm. Stubble darkened his cheeks and jaw, shadowing the lines of his face, making him look more dangerous. He inhaled deeply. The slight movement caused his earring to catch the light. The gold glinted sharply, once again making her think of pirates and treasure, of captured women and forbidden love.

It was becoming difficult to breathe. She told herself it was just a foolish reaction to being in the same room with the object of her crush. Maybe it was because she’d been thinking about and missing Wayne. Or it could have been the result of her exhaustion. Since the fire, she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep or a moment’s rest. When she hadn’t been scouting for supplies, she’d been figuring out a way to approach Austin about borrowing his house. She still found it hard to believe he’d said yes. He didn’t have to. A lot of people would have turned her away, citing problems with noise, potential destruction or insurance.

So many people nicknamed him the devil, but he’d been very nice to her. In fact—

“Stop looking at me like that,” he growled.

She stiffened, startled by the anger in his voice. “Like what?”

“Like I’m some damn noble prince riding in on a white horse. I’m not anybody’s idea of a hero, and if you think I am, then you’re worse than a fool.”

He drained the last of the wine into his glass, then slammed down the bottle. “The storm is already almost over,” he said, glaring at her. “In the morning the road will be dry enough for you to drive out of here. If not, I’ll dig out the damn car myself.”

“You swear a lot,” she said without thinking.

“You don’t swear enough.”

“I don’t swear at all.”

He grimaced. “That’s my point. We have nothing in common. I like my women experienced and easy. You’re not either.”

She was too shocked to blush. She stared at him. “Wh-what are you talking about?”

He leaned over the table far enough to grab a handful of her hair. He wrapped it around his hand twice and then pulled her close, until their mouths were millimeters apart.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Rebecca. Believe me, I, of all people, understand the appeal of what’s forbidden. But I’m one man you shouldn’t try to tame. I’m not interested.”

She flinched as if he’d slapped her. Before she could control herself, her eyes filled with tears. Her face grew hot, then cold. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly in his grasp.

“Damn it all to hell,” he muttered. “I’m not trying to hurt you. You’re not my type. More important, I’m not yours. I’m no Wayne whatever-his-name-was who helped little old ladies cross the street. I’m a selfish bastard. And I do mean bastard, lady. In every sense of the word.”

She studied his mouth as he spoke, feeling the sweet puffs of his breath on her face. He was being cruel in a good way. She was sure in time she would be grateful. For now she just wanted to crawl under the table and die. Or have him kiss her. Despite his taunting words, her body was reacting to his closeness. She wanted to scream in frustration. She was too old to have a crush on a man.

She drew in a deep breath and gathered what little dignity and strength she had left. “Austin, I’m sorry if I offended you. I didn’t—”

She never got to finish her sentence. He pulled on her hair, dragging her that last millimeter so that their lips touched. Mouth to mouth, he held her in place, not moving, not breathing, just touching gently, firmly, erotically.

Involuntarily her eyes fluttered shut. Heat poured through her as if someone had doused her with sun-warmed rain. Her toes curled and her fingers gripped the edge of the table. When she thought she would go mad from the bliss, he moved his head slightly, brushing her lips. More heat, fiery heat, flared between them. She gasped for breath. His tongue reached out and touched the tip of hers. Before she could melt in place, he released her and rose to his feet.

She sank back in the chair and listened to the thundering of her heart. Her hands were shaking, her breasts felt inflamed, that secret place between her thighs throbbed painfully. She didn’t dare look at him. What if he hadn’t felt the same reaction?

She caught her breath. What if he had?

Without saying a word, Austin stood up and stalked across the room. He opened the armoire and pulled out a pale garment, then walked back to her.

“Here,” he said, tossing it to her.

She grabbed the item, then stared at it. A man’s T-shirt, she thought. But what—

“It should be big enough for you to wear to bed.”

She stared at him.

He cursed again. “Alone. Damn it, Rebecca, stop it. It’s late. You’re tired. You take the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch. In the morning you’ll be out of here, and we’ll pretend this never happened.”

She didn’t point out that it was still quite early. She was too curious about what the “this” they were to pretend never happened was. What had happened between them? A brief kiss? Or something she hadn’t realized? She drew her eyebrows together and wished she were a little more experienced at the whole man-woman thing.

“I don’t want to go to bed yet,” she finally blurted.

“No one is asking your opinion,” he said sharply. “You’re reacting to the situation and probably to the trauma of the fire earlier this week. It doesn’t have anything to do with me, and I’m not going to be responsible for your regrets come morning. I might be a bastard, but I’m not a complete jerk.”

Now she was really confused. She dropped the T-shirt on the table and rose to her feet. After tightening the belt of her robe, she shoved her hands into the deep pockets and looked at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. One minute we’re having a nice conversation about our lives and the next you’re kissing me, then sending me to bed.”

He circled around the table until he was standing in front of her. They stood close enough for her to feel the heat of his body. She supposed she should have been nervous or afraid, but she wasn’t. Despite what everyone said, deep inside, Austin Lucas was a nice man. Only someone nice would donate his house to needy orphans. How was she supposed to resist him?

“I’m not your damned fiancé,” he said, his eyes flashing like the storm. “I know.”

“That’s my point. You want me because I’m different, and dangerous. You want me to help you forget. You want me to be the exciting bad thing in your life. You want me in your bed.”

She couldn’t have been more shocked if he’d slapped her. How had he guessed? Had she been that obvious?

“I—I don’t want you,” she stammered, knowing she was blushing and praying the candlelight was faint enough that he wouldn’t see the color flaring in her cheeks. All her confidence disappeared like smoke in the wind. She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm and held her in place.

“Did you hope I wouldn’t see what you were thinking?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

She moaned softly, shame joining embarrassment.

“Did you imagine I couldn’t read the fantasies, Rebecca, that I didn’t notice you staring at me, wanting to touch me, wanting me to touch you?”

It was worse than her dream about showing up naked at church. She felt as if someone had stripped her bare and was now mocking the pitiful being she was inside. Her soul felt raw, scourged by the sharp edge of his words. She had to get out, run away and hide. He was laughing at her. Making fun of her. She wanted to die.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, trying to turn away. Tears threatened. She blinked them back, but it wasn’t enough. One rolled onto her cheek. “Just let me go. I’ll never bother you again.”

He released her arm, but before she could step away, he placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her close.

“Damn you, Rebecca Chambers, don’t cry. I warned you I was a bastard. Why couldn’t you have listened? I’m not trying to hurt your feelings. I want you to understand that I’m nothing like the man you think I am. There’s nothing good in me. Forget me. Find another Wayne and have babies.”

His gentle words washed over her, easing some of her exposed rawness inside. His body was warm and hard, offering shelter and comfort. She sniffed back her tears until he touched her hair. The tender stroking of his palm on her head was more than she could stand.

Her sob caught her by surprise. Her whole body shook. “I’m sorry,” she said, trying to get control. “I—I’m not usually like this. I think it might be the f-fire and everything.”

“I know. It’s okay. You cry as much as you want.”

She didn’t want to cry at all, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. His strong arms wrapped around her, holding her safely in his embrace. His heartbeat was steady against her cheek. She cried for all she’d lost, for the children’s fears and her own. She whispered her concerns, about lying alone at night and wondering how she was supposed to keep it all together. She confessed that the responsibility scared her sometimes, but she kept on because there was no one else.

When the sobs had faded to sniffles, she became aware of the fact that her mouth rested against the bare skin of his chest. He was damp from her tears, yet still warm and smelling faintly musky. Through the thickness of her robe—his robe—she could feel the length of his legs, but little else save his heat. His hands moved up and down her back with long, comforting strokes. His chin rested on her head and he spoke quietly to soothe her.

“You must think I’m a fool,” she said, knowing she should pull away, but not wanting to.

“No. I think you’re very special. I’m sorry I said anything. I didn’t want to hurt you. I was trying to make you see that I’m not anyone’s idea of a fantasy lover.”

“I don’t want a fantasy.”

His hands grew still.

She raised her head until she could stare at him. “You’re right, Austin. I do—” she searched for the right word “—think you’re attractive, partially because you’re nothing like Wayne. But I don’t have a romantic fantasy about you. I don’t know you well enough to be picturing home and hearth.” She swallowed hard. He’d apologized to her, but she was the one who’d started the whole thing. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. If I’d known you could tell what I was thinking, I would have thought about something else.”

His gray eyes flickered with some emotion she couldn’t read. His mouth twisted into a wry smile. “I wasn’t complaining,” he said. “I was trying to explain why I was turning you down. I won’t deal with your regrets.”

“And if I promise not to have any?” she asked without thinking.

“Rebecca.” His voice was a low growl. She felt it vibrate in her own chest and realized her breasts were plastered against him. She thought about pulling away, but didn’t. A wave of courage surprised her. She might never have this chance again.

In a way he was perfect for her. As he’d pointed out, he wasn’t interested in a relationship. She’d already figured that one out on her own. He was wild and experienced. She would never choose to fall in love with someone like him. Which was what made him so safe. She was a twenty-nine-year-old virgin, and she needed a man to fix that. She’d recently started dating, but had always broken things off before they got serious. She didn’t want to have to explain about her condition. She’d tried twice and both men had stared at her as if she were a two-headed snake. Being a virgin at her age said something about a person, and she didn’t like what it said about her. She’d been saving herself for Wayne and then he was gone. Her gift had no meaning, save a painful one. It reminded her of what she’d kept from him. She wanted it done away with.

Who better to help her out than Austin? Heaven knew she’d had enough fantasies that being in bed with him would almost be familiar.

“I’m serious,” she said, drawing in a deep breath and sliding her hands up his arms to his shoulders. She could feel the rock-hard strength of his muscles. “Maybe if we make love, I’ll get over my crush and leave you alone.”

“That doesn’t say a whole lot about my skills in bed,” he muttered.

She was afraid he would be repulsed by the idea and turn away, but he didn’t. His hands resumed their stroking of her back, but this time they moved lower, sliding over the curve of her derriere.

“No regrets,” she said. “No dreams about white picket fences. No fantasies about a future together, I promise.”

His gaze locked on hers. She couldn’t read his emotions. It was like staring into a bottomless pool or jumping off a cliff into a cloud. She didn’t know how far down she would go. Would he catch her, or let her fall and shatter?

He brought his hands around to her face and cupped her cheeks, then lowered his head toward hers.

She drew a breath in anticipation of their kiss. His mouth brushed hers, slowly, carefully, as if she were the most fragile of creatures. Back and forth, back and forth. Her fingers curled slightly as she gripped his shoulders. Her knees began to tremble.

He pulled back. Their gazes met and for the first time she could read something in his eyes. Desire. It dilated his pupils so much the gray got lost in a sea of need. Until that moment, she’d wondered if she was setting herself up again. Had he toyed with her, making her confess her wants, knowing he shared none of them?

Now she knew the truth. He shared the trembling, the heat. Her confidence returned and with it the sense of rightness about her decision. Austin Lucas might be the devil, but she trusted him not to hurt her. She smiled slightly. So much for being logical. For the first time in her life, she was going on instinct.

“No regrets? You promise?” he asked.

She knew this was completely insane, but it felt right. Wayne was gone. She needed to get on with her life. Austin was the perfect solution. Plus, she would finally find out if her fantasies had come close to the real thing. She smiled. “Yes.”

It was as if her single word gave him the permission he’d been waiting for. Before she knew what was happening, he buried his hands in her hair, holding her head still. His fingers flexed against her scalp, sending tingling sensations down her spine.

His mouth angled over hers, searing her with hot, fast kisses. He devoured her, sucking her bottom lip, nibbling on her top. He touched his tongue to the corners of her mouth, then swept across the closed seam, urging her to part for him.

She opened to admit him, her breath already quickening with anticipation. In and around, over and under. Hot, wet, seeking. He plunged inside like a marauding warrior, ready to take that which he’d won. Then he retreated, playing with her, touching, stroking, tasting, discovering every inch of her tender mouth, making her pant with longing.

His hands moved down from her head to her neck. His thumbs traced a line from her chin to the hollow of her throat. His fingers left small warm brands on her sensitized skin.

She clung to him, her anchor in the storm, her source of strength. Mindless half phrases passed through her consciousness. It had never been like this. Not with those men she’d dated, not with Wayne. Before, the buildup had been slow, gentle kisses, a natural progression from kissing to petting. It had been quiet and lovely.

Not frantic like this. Her body was too hot, quivering with need and heat. Her breasts ached. Her nipples pressed against the terry cloth, throbbing for his touch. Between her legs an answering echo pulsed in time with her thundering heartbeat.

His mouth left hers and moved along her jaw to her ear where he whispered that she was beautiful. His tongue traced the shape of her ear. His teeth nibbled on her lobe. Ribbons of heat and desire rippled down her body, making her legs shake and threaten to buckle.

She slipped her hands down his chest and across to the bare strip of skin exposed by his open shirt. He was warm to her touch, smooth except for the crinkling hair. Muscles bunched under her fingers. She moved to his waist and drew her palms up slowly, then across his broadness. He answered with a quick intake of air.

She felt his hand at the tie of the robe. With one tug, it was free. He grabbed the collar, then drew it apart and down her arms. She was naked before him.

The cool air of the room surprised her. Without thinking, she brought her hands up to cover her breasts. As always, their small size embarrassed her.

Austin stared into her eyes. “Has there been anyone since Wayne?”

The intensity of his gaze made it impossible to lie. Not that she would have, anyway. “Just a few dates.”

“So you haven’t made love with anyone in the past couple of years?”

She swallowed. “No.” She hadn’t made love with anyone, ever, but he hadn’t asked that.

“Do you want to change your mind? We don’t have to do this.”

“I want to.” She needed to. Not just because it would rid her of her pesky virginity, but because her body was on fire for this man. She had to feel him on her, in her. She had to know what it was like to be with him in the most intimate way possible.

“Then why do you hide yourself from me?”

She glanced down at her hands covering her breasts. “I’m not like her.”

He frowned. “Who?”

“I don’t know her name. She’s pretty, with red hair. She used to come out here a couple of times a week.” Rebecca bit down on her lower lip and wondered why she was trying to explain this. “I wasn’t spying on you or anything, but people in town talk and it’s hard not to listen when they just happen to mention it and—” She clamped her mouth shut.

“You think you’re too small,” he said bluntly.

She nodded.

His slow grin surprised her.

“What’s so funny?”

“Your old boyfriend did a lousy job, Rebecca. You are a beautiful woman, perfect in every way. Long, lean, with just enough curves to drive a man wild.”

Her spirits lifted slightly. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that makes me feel better. I’ve always been worried that, you know, I was too little on top. I— What are you doing?”

He bent over and picked her up in his arms. She squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. With only the flickering candles to guide him, he walked to the bed and set her in the middle of the black satin comforter. The slick fabric was cool against her heated skin. Before she could slip away to one side, he placed his hands on either side of her waist.

“You’re just right on top. Trust me, I know.” His smile faded. “I don’t have any protection with me, but I had a blood test for my life insurance a couple of months ago,” he said. “It came back clean. I haven’t been with anyone else since.”

She stared at him. What on earth? Oh! That. He waited patiently. “Ah, yeah, me, too. I mean, I’m okay. You know.” How could there be a problem? She’d never been intimate before.

“So you’re safe then?”

Safe? Of course she was safe. She couldn’t possibly have any sexually transmitted disease because she’d never had the sex required to do the transmitting. “Yes.”

“Good.” He shrugged out of his shirt.

When he stood up and started unfastening his jeans, she told herself to look away. But she didn’t. She’d already seen him naked. It had been thrilling, and she wanted to see him again.

But he didn’t look exactly the same. When he pushed his jeans past his hips, his arousal sprang free. He was a lot larger than she anticipated, hard and ready. Despite the flicker of fear that raced through her, she was glad. At least she knew he wanted her, too.

Without speaking, he lay down beside her. There wasn’t enough light from the candles for her to be able to see his expression, but she felt his warmth. He leaned over her, trapping her arms between them. He raised up, pulled her arms free and drew them around his neck. Then he bent down and kissed her.

The touch of his lips was electric. Hot, sparking sensations shot through her body, clear to her toes. Her fingers curled into his hair and she felt the silky brown strands slipping against her skin.

He moved his mouth slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. As if nothing existed but them and the night and the storm. She supposed she should be nervous and appalled at her own behavior. She would be. Later. For now there was only this man.

He raised his head and smiled at her. She smiled back. Bare legs brushed. Shivers raced from each point of contact and collected in her breasts and between her thighs. Anticipation made her muscles contract.

He moved his chest back and forth. His sprinkling of hair tickled her breasts and made her nipples pucker. Then he bent his head lower and took one hardened tip in his mouth.

She sucked in her breath on a gasp. His lips caressed the taut point. His tongue traced erotic circles over and over again. He reached for her other breast, cupping her small curves, stroking the sensitive skin, tweaking her nipple into a tight bead.

She felt his hardness against her thigh. She longed to touch him but didn’t have the courage. Instead, she stroked his back and sides, reaching down to cup his rear, squeezing the firm, muscled flesh.

She touched his shoulders, then his long hair. Warm to cool. His scent invaded her. Her index finger traced his ear and the gold hoop.

He moved his mouth to her other breast, exchanging fingers for tongue and vice versa. Her heart rate increased and the pulse between her thighs grew more insistent. Her arms fell to her sides. She grasped at the satin comforter and held on. It had been too long. Her breasts were too sensitive. Just the feel of his hot breath, his tongue flicking over the nipples, making the tight points higher and tauter, sent her flying toward ecstasy. Her last conscious thought was that her fantasies about making love hadn’t even come close to the sensual magic of this moment.

Austin raised his head and looked at Rebecca’s face. Her eyelids closed and her mouth parted as she drew in more and more air. He felt her quivering response as he suckled her.

He slipped his hand lower, across the smooth skin of her flat belly to the dark curls below. Heat radiated from her. It would be so easy to bury himself inside her waiting warmth and just explode. However, as hard as he was, that explosion would occur in about three thrusts. Hardly enough to satisfy her. He wanted to feel her body ripple with satisfaction and watch her eyes slowly return to focus. He wanted to learn every inch of her. Only then would he take his own pleasure.

His finger sought and found her tight opening. He traced the entrance to paradise, making his stomach tighten in anticipation as her body thrust toward him.

The night made her pale skin glow as if iridescent. Despite his best intentions, his need throbbed heavily. Just looking at her and thinking about what he wanted to do was enough to send him close to the edge. He forced himself back.

He drew her nipple deeper into his mouth. At the same time, he sought out the tiny point of her pleasure. He touched it with the tip of his finger. She jumped. Slowly, carefully, he caressed that place, over and around, moving faster and lighter.

Her body quivered, her hips shifted beneath his hand, making it easy to find the rhythm that pleased her. He’d planned to bring her close, then take his time tending to every part of her before finally sending her over the edge. But when her breathing suddenly quickened and her muscles tensed, he knew he couldn’t stop.

He raised up on one elbow so he could watch her face. Her eyes opened, but she stared at him without seeing. Her pelvis thrust in time with his movements. Soft moans escaped her lips.

He could feel her tension and the promise of her release. His finger moved more quickly now. She spoke his name and was suddenly still. He rubbed her sweet spot once, twice, forcing her into the fiery explosion. He urged her on, touching gently, keeping pace with her, until she relaxed against his touch.

He looked at her. Perspiration coated her chest. She gasped for breath. Slowly her eyes focused on him. Another spasm caught her and her entire body trembled. It was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen in his life. He had to have her now.

He rose to his knees and positioned himself against her slick opening. She smiled welcomingly.

“Finally,” she whispered.

He closed his eyes as he eased himself inside. So damn tight and wet. He held on to her legs, struggling for control. He wanted to let go right away, but he didn’t. He couldn’t.

He was less than halfway in when he felt resistance. His mind tried to focus but his body wouldn’t let him. His need was overpowering. He flexed his hips and pressed on. The barrier resisted, then gave way. Against his palms, the muscles in her legs stiffened.

He stared down at her. Realization dawned and, with it, a sense of disbelief. Rebecca Chambers had been a virgin.