Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
But I’m not cold; I’m turned on.
I can’t remember ever being this turned on, in fact.
But this attraction is so much more than physical.
It’s about how much fun we had together today, the way he dropped his guard, giving me a glimpse into what he must have been like as a kid, still tough, but also playful, curious, and eager to try new things. It’s about the way he asked me to be his girlfriend—so sweet and straight-forward—and the way he angled his big body ahead of mine in the crowd, making sure I didn’t get run over.
And it’s the way he handled Drake—calm and in control, the embodiment of quiet strength. He didn’t need to throw a punch to make it clear that no one messes with someone under his protection. He just laid down the law, no room for arguments.
He just made me feel safe.
And precious.
And loved, even though I know it’s way too soon for that.
But I can’t fight the emotion swelling in my chest, tingling across my skin, making me ache for him with a need that will no longer be postponed until a later date.
Tonight is the night. I couldn’t wait any longer if I tried, and I have no interest in trying.
That’s why, when we finally pull into a parking space near my place, and I climb off the bike, I don’t let go. I keep my arms around him, hugging tight as we stand in the cool evening air, my body still pressed against his back.
“You okay?” he asks, voice low as he removes his helmet and gently detangles himself, turning to face me.
I nod, swallowing hard as I meet his searching gaze. “Yeah. I just… I like you. A whole lot.”
“I like you, too,” he murmurs, his fingertips skimming over my temple. The touch is gentle, affectionate, but still manages to make my panties wetter.
I need this gentle man doing hot, wild, un-gentle things to my body—stat.
“And I…” I swallow, my tongue slipping out to dampen my lips as I add, “I don’t want to be alone tonight. Mr. Sniffles is staying over at Zelda’s, so we’d have the whole apartment to ourselves. If you wanted to sleep over…”
His jaw tics as his hands settle on my hips. “Oh, I want to sleep over.”
“You do?” I bite my lip to keep the giddy grin from my face.
“I really do,” he says, his voice deeper, huskier.
I reach up, sliding my hands over his shoulders to tease against his bare neck. “And Tank?”
“Yes, Teach?”
“I don’t just want to sleep. Do you?”
“Fuck no.” His exhalation is rough as his hands slide lower, his thumbs brushing beneath the waistband of my pants, sending a shiver of anticipation across my skin. “Let’s go inside, beautiful. Right now.”
Hell, yes.
Right now, sounds perfect to me.
I take his hand, leading him through the lobby and up the stairs, where I unlock my apartment door with shaking fingers.
I barely get it shut behind us before his mouth is on mine.
He kisses me hot and deep, giving me exactly what I’ve been daydreaming about all the way home. Exactly what I want, what I need… His tongue sweeps into my mouth, staking his claim as I moan against his lips. My back bumps against the door as his hands roam—gripping, exploring. There’s no hesitation, no second-guessing, just heat and need and hunger that makes my head spin.
“God, baby, you feel so good,” he groans, kissing a path down my neck, sucking lightly at the sensitive skin just beneath my jaw. “I’ve been thinking about this all day. About my mouth on you, about making you come for me.”
“Me too,” I breathe, threading my fingers into his hair as he lifts me effortlessly, guiding my legs around his waist as he carries me toward the bedroom.
His strength is intoxicating, but it’s the way he handles me—like I’m precious and he never wants to hurt me, even on accident, that has me about to come before he’s removed a single piece of my clothing.
“Naked,” I murmur against his mouth as we kiss again. “I need you naked. Me naked. All naked.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He sets me down beside the bed, his hands sliding under my tank top, his fingers brushing my bare skin. His touch is electric, sending heat sizzling through my veins, making my pussy throb.
“But tell me if you want to stop,” he murmurs, his voice rough as he teases the cotton the tiniest bit higher on my ribs. “We can stop anytime you want. It’s no big deal.”
“Are you insane?” I breathe as I reach for the hem of his shirt. “It’s a very big deal. I want you, LiBassi. I want you naked and on top of me. Now. Arms up.”
His eyes darken, making my own hunger spiral higher as he lifts his arms and bends his knees, making it easier for me to pull his shirt over his head. I toss the fabric to the ground, my breath catching at the sight of him—strong, solid, every inch of his chest a testament to his drive, his determination.