“Mack, I want to be with you more than anything,” she said, fingering the hair at the nape of his neck. “But I’m not ready to remarry.”
He shrugged. “I almost lost you through my foolishness. I won’t take that risk again. If you’re not ready to marry, I can wait. As long as I can tell you I love you at least once a day, I am content. Because I do, Winnie. I love you with my whole being. My body literally aches when I am away from you and sings whenever you’re near. I can’t concentrate on my work because you consume my every thought. That can’t be normal, can it?”
She tenderly cupped his cheek. “That’s because it’s love.”
“It’s rather distressing, if I’m being honest.”
She stroked the dip between his eyebrows, soothing the taut skin. “I feel the same way. My darling, I love you so much. Much of my anger stemmed from my feelings for you. I was afraid I had lost everything I’ve ever wanted. Not only a career but also a man who challenges my mind, encourages me to take risks, and tempts me with his kisses. I never thought I’d find someone like you, and it destroyed me when I thought it was all a false hope.”
His eyelids lowered as he leaned his head against the bookcase in relief. “Say it again.”
“I love you.” She punctuated each word with a kiss to his face. Because of his height, she had to lean on her tiptoes, which brought her breasts fully against his chest, the light friction immediately making her body quicken.
“You undo me,” he groaned, his arms tightening around her.
“I’m desperate for you,” she admitted.
A devilish smile twitched to life, and he nudged the library door shut and turned the lock. “It’s been too long since we added a new adventure to your list.”
A breathy laugh escaped even as her toes curled in anticipation. “What do you have in mind?”
His hands cupped her buttocks through the layers of her skirts, drawing her into his pelvis. “Make love in a library.”
“Naughty,” she whispered, and then she pushed his hands away, ignoring his grunt of protest. She leaned down to pick up her purse, which had fallen to the floor when she’d flung herself at him.
“Hey,” he protested. “What are you doing?”
She withdrew her notebook and arched a brow. “I’m adding your suggestion to the list.”
A laughing groan escaped him. “You can add itafterI’m done with you.”
“It’ll just take a second,” she said. “And you know how I love to cross an item off my list.”
“Hurry,” he said, his voice a growl. “Or I’ll throw your notebook in the fire.”
“I just need—” she gasped when his teeth grazed her neck, sending a sizzle straight to her taut nipples. “Three—more—seconds. There.” She tossed the notebook and pen to the floor and latched her arms around Mack’s neck.
He twisted their bodies, crowding her against the bookshelf, his hips grinding against hers.
“God, I wish we were naked.” His fingers toyed with the buttons of her dress.
“We’ll just have to make do.” She wedged a hand between them and undid the buttons of his trousers. His hard length leapt forth, desperate for her touch. His gasps came in a pant as she stroked him urgently.
“I need inside you.”
“I want that, too,” she said, nipping his earlobe. “But you’ll crush my dress.”
In answer, he backed up a step and turned her to face the bookshelves. He loosened the top of her dress enough that he could slide a hand in and cup her breast. He tweaked her nipple and her breath hissed between her teeth. She wiggled against him, desperate to feel him against her again, but he wouldn’t let her get close. Instead, he pressed down on her upper back until she was doubled over, her bottom thrust toward him. He guided her hands to the shelf in front of her.
Her breath came in excited pants as Mack carefully lifted her skirts. Even in his haste, he took care not to damage the delicate fabric. He bundled them onto her back and parted her drawers with his fingers until he found her slick heat.
“God, yes. This is what I crave. I love how wet you are.” He slipped two fingers inside her, pumping them slowly, giving her time to adjust. When she arched her back in invitation, he shoved them deep, over and over again. His thumb circled her clitoris, and she writhed on his fingers. “Is this what your pretty pussy needs?”
“I need your cock,” she begged.
His fingers withdrew, and then Mack’s hard length was pressing into her. With one thrust, he was inside her, and Winnie fought a scream, her breath coming in harsh mewls. She was grateful when Mack covered her mouth with his hand. She was so full, yet she couldn’t get enough. She bit down on Mack’s finger, and he hissed, his thrusts coming harder and faster. He loosened his grip on her skirt, allowing it to cascade around them, and slipped his other hand beneath, applying light pressure at the perfect spot above their joining.
Their rocking shook the bookshelf, and Winnie froze when a book tumbled past, narrowly missing her shoulder. A second fell, and Mack yelped. A snort of laughter escaped her, but her desire overrode anything else.
