West

His simple caresses were mesmerizing, his intent of memorizing every curve and dip of my body clear in the slow, sensual, light touch. I barely noticed when he pushed the nightgown over my shoulders and down to my feet. His hands traced my sides, hips and across my stomach. He pressed his hips to my ass, his hard erection long and thick enough for me to approve of it even without seeing it.

The brush of his fingertips over my sensitive nipples made my breath catch, and I resisted the urge to shove his hand down my belly to the place between my thighs that ached. I was experienced, but he was just learning.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Josie." he whispered, awe and appreciation mixing with husky need.

I said nothing, lost in the tickling sensations of his hands exploring me. He turned me carefully, and I opened my eyes to gaze up at him. The intensity of his look stripped away my attempt to remain unattached, and I let myself dwell in wonder at the idea of belonging with a man like this, one who treasured every inch of me and wanted our first night to last forever in his memories.

There was nothing standing between us, not two hundred years, Carter or my mission. I was falling into the green depths of his eyes, the tender way he touched me.

But it wasn't enough for me to want to stay.

I hesitated a moment before realizing I was already in too deep to want to walk away without one of us getting hurt. I slid my hands under his shirt and pushed the material up. Taylor's hands left me to remove it before they returned to my hips. He pressed his to mine, and I rested my palms on his chest.

His body was perfect. Thick biceps, rounded shoulders, wiry chest and washboard abs. I traced his skin with the same restraint and gentleness he had mine, admiring the smooth texture and the muscles beneath. I wasn't certain I had ever really noticed a man's body before aside from the part below the waist I was normally concerned with.

"May I kiss you, Josie?" he whispered.

"You don't have to ask, Taylor," I replied and took his planed cheeks. I pulled his face to mine and rested my lips lightly against his. "Just kiss me."

He cupped my cheeks in his hands and obeyed.

I melted into him. Initially unsure, he soon began to descend into hunger. His velvety tongue slid between my lips, and I opened for him readily, returning the kiss with passion. He tasted of whiskey and his own unique flavor. I nipped at his full lower lip playfully. Taking his hands, I slid them down my shape to my ass. He froze for a split second before digging his fingers into my cheeks and pressing me harder against his erection. He trailed hot, wet kisses down my jaw and neck.