Chapter Twenty-Five

He hesitated for the briefest moment, waited for her to say something. She smelled like the sea—lively, fresh, and warm. She intoxicated him. The green of her eyes darkened with desire, drew him in until he claimed her mouth. His hands found their way into her glorious tumble of auburn hair and then lowered to grab a fistful of her shirt at the small of her back. He pressed closer still and felt her luscious body against his own.

He nearly lost his footing when she pushed against him and kissed him back, hungrily. Hot need spread like wildfire through his blood. Balancing both of them before they fell onto the couch, he demanded, and she matched his need with her own. She astounded him. He couldn’t get close enough. He wanted everything she offered.

He tore his lips from hers and kissed a path to her neck, reveled in her sharp intake of breath. He scraped his teeth along her jawline and had to rein himself in when she moaned softly against his cheek. He tried to clear his head, found he couldn’t with her so close. He ordered himself to step back, to take a breath. She looked at him, her eyes wide pools of uncertainty. That look nearly did him in. But as suddenly as the look appeared, it was gone, replaced with a grin.

“Are we going to need to talk about this?” She stroked his chest. “Hash it over?”

“No.” He couldn’t return the good humor. He wanted her too badly, had waited for too long.

“Why did you stop?” she asked, and he nearly threw her on the couch to have his way with her. He dropped his hands to his sides.

“I have two questions.”

“Okay, shoot.”

He regarded her—her face flush and her breathing uneven—and saw she wasn’t nearly as unaffected as she sounded. It was a gratifying realization. He stepped closer to her, caught her scent again. He asked his first question.

“Do you want this?” He wanted it to be her choice. He waited, and the seconds creeped by.

Finally, she swallowed. “Yes, Finn, I want this. I want you.”

They reached for each other at the same time. She clung to him. He grasped at the last bit of his control and swung her into his arms, sweeping her off her feet.

Wide eyed, she stared at him, saying nothing.

“What?” he asked.

“It’s nothing. You said you had another question?”

He carried her away from the living room. “Yes. Where is your bed?”

She swallowed, nodded toward a hall past the kitchen. “Down the hall. Last door.”

****

In his arms, she didn’t anticipate that jittery feeling like there was a storm building in the distance. She appreciated the thrill but didn’t expect the nerves. He literally swept her off her feet. It was unnerving how romantic it was. Bev shook away the uncertainty and focused on what she felt. Need. There would be time for answers later.

At the foot of her bed, he lowered her to the floor, let her body slowly slide down the length of his. The frisson of power between them electrified her. She sat up to meet his lips, searing heat consuming her as his tongue took possession. His hands roamed her body, and she explored him as well.

Hard muscle beneath his shirt lured her to his chest. She began to slip his shirt’s buttons apart and felt his skin, hot and firm beneath hers. She lowered her head and kissed the hollow by his throat. He growled as her lips and tongue explored the muscles along his shoulders and chest. She pulled away his shirt, threw it on the floor.

He whispered, “My turn.”

She nodded, suddenly feeling nervous again. She wished she put on sexy underwear. He peeled off her T-shirt, unbuttoned her jeans. His eyes never left her gaze. His body still only inches from hers, he sensed her concern. His tawny eyes appraised her body, heating her from within. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted this, how much I’ve thought of you. My fantasies weren’t even close to the real thing.”

Something set free within her at his words. She circled her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. She kissed him greedily, hands wandering until she found the button of his pants. She freed him, and finally they were skin to skin.

She pulled him down again until they both landed on the bed in a tangle of limbs. He pushed himself onto his arms. She relished the feel of him against her, his toned body insistent.

He lowered his head to her breast and took possession of her nipple. His tongue flicked across the tip as he lowered a hand to cup her breast. Stars exploded as she bucked against him; the orgasm surprised them both. He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. She saw hot need in his. His voice sounded strained.

“I want to savor this, but you’re driving me crazy, Beverly. I want you. Now.”

She reached for him. “Go slow later. Come to me, please,” she demanded. He thrust into her, and thoughts ceased. She could only feel the explosion of heat he roused in her.

“Yes,” she whispered and savored for a moment the feeling of him inside her, filling her. They rode the rhythm together, waves building and crashing.

He gripped her hips. “Open your eyes. I need to see you.”

Her eyes met his and her heart pounded in time with his. What she saw in his eyes when he looked into hers catapulted her over the edge. Mindless to anything but the swirling flood of pleasure, she let the tide rush over her as they came together.

****

The first thing he thought of when he woke was Beverly. Her breathing even and light beside him. They’d fallen asleep. No surprise there. She slayed him, but he liked to think he gave as good as he got. He smiled as he remembered their lovemaking. She was not a half-measure kind of woman. Was it any wonder he was falling for her?

Turning slowly so as not to disturb her, he watched her sleep. A soft glow from a bedside lamp cast her in golden light. Her hair fanned across her pillow. She simply stunned him. He wasn’t given to grand, romantic feelings. Or so he thought. But seeing her lying next to him stirred heavy emotions. She looked vulnerable and trusting.

He hoped she did trust him. That was important to him. He also hoped he could navigate these waters without scaring her off. His former client wasn’t going to be easy to convince into a relationship.

As he normally did, he formulated a plan in his head, thought about potential outcomes. His thoughts darkened at the possibility of losing her. He discovered Jules had been right about one thing when they’d discussed relationships: He’d never been in love before, and if this thing with Beverly ended badly, he wouldn’t come out of it unscathed. She stirred next to him; he pushed dark thoughts aside and grinned down at her.

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she smiled up at him. Surprised him when she raised her head and kissed him.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“A job well done, Counselor. I passed out before I could give you a performance review.” He laughed, then leaned down to kiss her again and desire took hold. She moved against him restlessly.

He rolled on top of her, kissed her until they both panted. “I’m sure there is room for improvement.” He lifted his head, began to nibble at her lips. “I want to make sure I get the best review possible.”

She gasped as he slid inside her, eased her hands into his hair, tugging gently. “I appreciate a man who strives for perfection.”