Between You and Me

“No way.” She tipped up her chin to look at him. He was already gazing down at her, an interesting mixture of calm assurance and growing desire clear in his eyes. His hand slid up her side, skimming her ribs, the side of her breast, over her shoulder. Their gazes locked. She reached up to touch his face, running her fingertips along his beard until she pulled his head down. Their mouths met in a sweet kiss.

She felt the flames of desire flicker and spark inside her as they kissed, the delicious heat building at a slow and steady pace. He shifted her in his arms for better access, his big hands sliding along the silk as they settled into a full embrace. Her mouth opened and his tongue swept inside, tasting her, consuming her bit by bit. The kisses deepened, a slow, sensual burn. He lifted her up to sit on his lap, facing him, pressed against him, so he could wrap his arms around her and hold her close. Her fingers sifted through his hair as the kisses burned hotter. Fire seared through her body, want and need rising in her core. She rolled her hips against his erection and he groaned into her mouth, his fingers digging into her hips.

“Are you ready?” he asked in a thick whisper against her lips.

She nodded even as her heart rate took off like a shot.

“Then let’s go to your room,” he said, kissing her jaw, her chin, then back to her lips. “You deserve a bed, to have this done right. Not here on the couch.”

She only nodded again. The air felt stuck in her lungs.

Without missing a beat he stood, lifting her with him, holding her against him in his strong arms.

“What are you doing?” she asked in surprise as he cradled her.

“Carrying you.” He kissed her, long and deep, holding her securely. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”

She did as she was told. Breathless from his gesture, swept away, she dipped her head into the crook of his neck. “My room’s at the end of the hall,” she whispered against his skin.

“I know where the master bedroom is,” he assured her.

Seemingly without effort, he crossed the length of the living room, went up the stairs, and down the hall to her bedroom. The only light in her room was the dim softness of one small lamp on the dresser. He set her down carefully on the king-size sleigh bed and smiled down at her, sweeping her hair back from her face.

“I can’t believe you just did that,” she whispered.

He silenced her with a deep, commanding kiss, aligning his large, warm body with hers. With a whimper of submission, she let herself drown in sensation. They held each other and kissed, letting the passion build. Any traces of her initial nervousness or awkwardness were fading away. She wanted him more with each minute.

“You’re wearing too many clothes,” she finally said.

He grinned, then sat up and pulled his sweater off over his head, tossing it aside. Then he stood up and pushed off his jeans. Standing before her in only tight navy boxer briefs, Tess sucked in a breath at the sight of him. She’d known he had a great body because it was obvious, but seeing him unclothed for the first time . . . He was magnificent. That six-foot-four frame had muscles everywhere. His arms, his chest, his abs, his thighs . . . good Lord. The Thor nickname was perfect, really, whether he liked it or not. She got up onto her knees and reached up to let her fingertips drift through the light dusting of hair on his broad chest, over the Celtic tattoo on one strong shoulder . . .

“Damn,” she murmured in appreciation. Her fingers ran eagerly over his skin, warm and firm. His eyes blazed as he watched her explore his body. “And you think I’m gorgeous? Look at you . . .” She moved in to press her lips to his chest, her mouth trailing along his skin, kissing, licking, nipping at him everywhere.

His breathing now staggered, his voice dropped low as he said, “Glad you like what you see. That must help . . .” His hands threaded through her hair.

“I like what I see, what I feel . . .” Her teeth scraped his nipple and he hissed, his fingers tightening in her curls. “Mmmm.”

“Holy hell,” he breathed, letting her take control for a moment, obviously enjoying her touch. Then he asked, “Tess, before we . . . is there anything I need to do?”