Nick’s ripped body dominated Eva’s bedroom. His presence added enough testosterone to transform the mood from restful to lusty. Now came the most thrilling part of this undressing routine.
She stepped back. “Stand up, please.”
He rose to his feet, his chest heaving. Shoving his hands in his right pocket, he pulled out the condom packages. “Maybe I should put these somewhere.”
“I have a suggestion for one of them.”
“And I’ll be glad to take it. But the other two—”
“Can go on the dresser.” She held out her hand. “The room’s not big enough for a nightstand.”
“I noticed.” He put the two packages in her hand and held up the third. “How about under the pillow?”
“That works.”
Turning away from her, he slid the packet under the pillow nearest to him.
She followed the motion, riveted by the play of muscles under skin caressed by the sunset’s glow.
He faced her and caught her staring. “Was that the wrong pillow?”
“No. I just love looking at you. And remembering what Ellie Mae said about you during the auction.”
“That was embarrassing.”
“Maybe, but it was another reason for me to bid on you. I bought this house knowing I’d need some help with it. I had no idea who to ask, who would be willing to tackle the jobs. It had to be someone special, someone who would do it with a glad heart.”
He smiled. “Me.”
“Yes, you.” Warmed by his smile, she stepped closer and reached for his belt buckle. “I can’t imagine anybody else working on it, now.”
“I’m glad.” His voice was husky.
Unfastening the buckle, she pulled it through the loops. “I’d like to leave this on the top of the dresser until tomorrow morning, too.”
“But not my jeans.”
“No, not your jeans. You can keep those and your briefs. Except for right now.” She unbuttoned the waistband.
“Maybe you should let me do this last part. I know how to ease them off so I won’t—”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Okay.” Arms at his sides, he took a long, shaky breath and stared straight ahead. “Go for it.”
Heart thudding, she slowly drew the zipper down. Not easy when he was fully aroused. So was she. Hot. Aching. Breathless.
Hands trembling, she grasped the waistband of his jeans and gently tugged, working the material past his hips. His knit briefs, light gray, barely contained his manly attributes.
Gulping, she crouched, which put her at eye level with his magnificence. She pushed his jeans over his toned calves. “Lift—” She cleared her throat. “Lift your foot.”
His voice was strained. “Which one?”
“Either.”
He chose the left and she pulled off that pant leg. Shifting, he lifted his right foot and she freed that leg, too. Even his feet were beautiful.
Shoving his jeans aside, she stood, her breath ragged. Last, but not least…she peeled off his briefs, gradually freeing his rigid cock. A drop of moisture appeared on the tip. Mesmerizing. The hollow ache in her core intensified.
He sucked in air. “Eva…”
She looked up. Jaw clenched and neck muscles bulging, he was clearly fighting to maintain control. She crouched down again and quickly yanked his briefs to his ankles. “Step out.”
Glancing down, he kicked the briefs away, grasped her by the shoulders and pulled her upright. “I need you.” His kiss tasted of desperation, the kiss of a man at the end of his rope.
His urgency matched hers. As he delved into her mouth. she pushed her shorts over her hips. As they fell to the floor, she broke away from his kiss long enough to step out of them and strip off her tank top.
Scooping her into his arms, he laid her on the bed and followed her down, pinning her to the mattress as he reached under the pillow.
“Got it.”
“Let me put it on.”
“What? No, Eva, I need—”
“Please. Roll on your back. I’ll be quick.”
His laughter was breathless as he rolled to his back and handed her the packet. “You’re playing with fire.”
She scrambled up and straddled his thighs. “I won’t waste time. I want this as much as you.” She ripped open the packet.
“I don’t believe it.”
“You will.” She lovingly rolled the condom down his impressive length. “There you go.” Rising to her knees, she spread her palms on his delectable pecs and held his gaze. “Brace yourself. I’m coming aboard.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “Please do.”
She made the connection with ease, his sword to her sheath. In one swift motion, she took him up to the hilt.
He gasped and swore under his breath.
Leaning forward, she feathered a kiss over his parted lips. “Problem?”
“Uh-huh.” He clamped both hands around her hips. “I thought you’d ease into it. I almost came. Hold still, please.”
“Happy to. Gives me a chance to thank you.” She nibbled on his mouth. “I loved undressing you.”
He swallowed. “I loved it, too.”
“You did?”
“New experience.” He tightened his grip. “Like you were… unwrapping me.”
“I was.” Raising her head, she looked into his heavy-lidded eyes. “You’re a gift.”
His breath caught. “Hope so.”
“I know so. Gonna turn me loose so I can move?”
“Can’t promise I’ll last long.”
“Can’t promise I will, either.”
Relinquishing his hold, he slid his hands up her body and cupped her breasts. “I crave you. Every single inch.”
“Backatcha, cowboy.” Slowly she lifted her hips and brought them back down. “How’s that motion treatin’ you?”
“Like a match to tinder.”
“Let’s light ’er up.” No point in messing around. She set a rapid pace, reveling in the intense sensation and the pure joy of making love to this wonderful man.
He grabbed her hips again, but this time to urge her on. His chest glistened with sweat as his breathing roughened. She gasped as the first spasm hit.
He groaned. “Felt that. Now I’m… Eva…”
“Here we go, Nick.” She rode him harder. “Here we go.” She exploded at the same moment he thrust upward with a wild cry.
The rhythmic pulse of his climax blended with the waves rolling through her core. Closing her eyes, she gave herself over to the moment, to the perfect connection.
But as her breathing slowed, and the haze cleared from her endorphin-soaked brain, her stomach growled.
Then Nick’s did. He chuckled. “I think it’s time to eat that chili.”
Leaning down, she gave him a soft kiss. “And apple pie for dessert?”
“You’re talking my language.”
“Am I finally going to see the legendary Nick appetite emerge?”
“I suppose you are.” He stroked her back. “But the truth is, I’m not the same man who walked into this house today.”
“In what way?”
“Before this day started, I would have sworn that eating a delicious meal was my favorite thing to do. That’s no longer the case.”
“Let me guess. Making love has moved to the top position?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He cupped her face in both hands. “Not just making love. Making love with you.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“And nice of you to do.”
She laughed. “Oh, I’m generous that way.”
“You are generous, Eva.” His tone grew serious. “You hold nothing back. When I’m deep inside you, I can feel you giving me everything you’ve got.”
“I do?”
“You don’t think so?”
“I haven’t thought about it.” But now she would.
“Take my word for it. When we make love, you’re all in. Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.” She gave him a quick kiss. “Let’s go make that chili disappear.” All in, huh? She liked him a whole lot and their lovemaking was amazing. But all in? That had a ring of commitment. Not the sound she wanted to hear.