He’s quiet through two episodes. Other than holding my feet in his lap, he’s made no move to touch me since he tucked my hair behind my ear. I know he’s got practice in the morning so I thought he’d be anxious to get in and get out… so to speak. In and out of me.
“You want to watch another?” I ask, looking down at the remote and not meeting his eyes.
“I should probably go.”
I’m surprised by his answer, although I’m not sure why. It’s late. I guess I figured sex was higher on the priority list than sleep. Did I lose him with the leggings? Crap, I knew I should have kept the sexy dress on.
“Right. You’ve got early practice tomorrow.”
His thumb caresses my foot. “Yeah. We’ve got a big game on Saturday. Speaking of, how would you and Christian like to come to the game? I can leave tickets for you at will call.”
“Oh wow. That’s really nice of you, but you don’t need to do that. We usually watch the games here.”
“So, you really do watch? You weren’t just putting me on?”
I laugh. Of all the things to lie about that one never entered my mind. “Yes, we really watch.”
“Come to the game. There’s nothing like being at Ray Fieldhouse on game day and it’s the last home game of the season.”
“Okay.”
He grins, looking more relaxed and like himself, and sits forward. “I should go so you can get some sleep before the little man wakes up.”
Is that why he’s leaving or is it just an excuse? I can’t get a read on him. If he’s suddenly not into me then why would he invite me to the game? Good God, this can’t be him trying to be a decent guy and going slow for my benefit. Can it?
I move my feet so he can stand and then follow him to the front door weighing my options and trying to decide what it is I really want from him. I’ve been so caught up in what he wants or doesn’t want that, I’ve barely entertained my own wants.
He turns at the door and reaches out for my hand. I let him weave our fingers together and I peer up at him trying to read every thought or emotion that might be there. He’s given me no real reason to hesitate or second guess and that’s the most surprising thing of all. Joel Moreno has a heart. Or at least a conscience.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
“You could stay,” I offer and then wince at the totally forward words. “I mean, tomorrow is Friday and I don’t work or have any classes so being tired isn’t the end of the world.”
He smirks but doesn’t say anything arrogant to make me instantly regret my decision. Instead, he threads a hand through my hair and brings his lips to mine.
“Do you want me to stay?” His question vibrates against my lips. He sounds earnest and hopeful as if my answer changes his.
“Yes, but—”
My answer is cut short as he slams his lips to mine in a kiss that takes my breath and makes my head swim. I pull back. I need to tell him my conditions before I’m swept away by his touch.
“Wait.”
He captures my face with both of his massive hands and stares down at me. “Does the but change anything that could possibly happen in the next two hours?”
“No, but—”
“Tell me later then.”
His hands go to my hips and he leans down and scoops me up. His intent is clear, and I jump into his arms all too happily.
“Which way?” he asks, breaking the kiss only long enough to get out the words.
I respond by motioning with my head and Joel moves in the direction of my bedroom. I’ve never been more thankful that Christian’s room is on the opposite side of our apartment. It provides a buffer to noise, which has never been an issue before, but I’m thinking might be tonight.
No sweet nothings. No cocky jabs about how I’m finally giving in to him. None of what I expected as he lays me down on the bed. He’s heavy as he settles on top of me. A reassuring weight that this is real. He’s here and this is happening.
Kisses that turn my body to flames and light my soul on fire, touches and caresses that are hard and rough yet soft and caring. The dizzying emotions that spiral through me make me break the kiss and bury my face in his neck.
“Are you okay?”
I dip my head, not trusting my voice. I’m nervous. So nervous. I want this, but I don’t want it to be the end either. If I sleep with him, that will be it. I know this. Have known it. And I want it more than my next breath, but I’m so not ready to give him up.
He rolls to the side and pulls me next to him so that my back is at his chest. He presses kisses to my neck and brushes my hair behind my ear.
“Estás asustada,” he whispers.
My body molds to his and I can feel every hard inch of him. I can’t help it, nerves or not, I wriggle my butt against his crotch. He groans and that makes me feel braver. I reach around and cup him through his jeans and he groans so desperately right before he takes my hand and wraps it, with his, on my stomach. I move our connected hands down and the heat of his palm and the contact, so close to where I want it, makes me squirm.
“You’re killing me, Kitty,” he practically growls as he moves his hand higher and wraps it protectively around my waist.
“But I thought—”
“You’re not ready and as much as I want this, I want there to be no doubts when I ravage your pretty little body.”
He’s right and I hate that I can’t shrug my inhibitions to be the girl that Joel has hot, dirty sex with, without having to stop before he’s even copped a feel.
Oh, and I can feel how very much he wants to do just that.
“Hey, Joel?”
“Yeah?”
“Christian wakes up at five. If he sees you here, he’ll ask questions and…” My voice trails off because, ugh, this is hard.
“I’ll be gone before he wakes up.”
“Joel?”
He sighs. “Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
I know he’s smiling as his hold tightens around me. “You’re welcome, Kitty.”