He made a guttural sound deep in his throat as he leaned toward me, and I had to remind myself to breathe. I didn’t think anyone had looked at me quite like that. “I’m going to kiss you now, unless you tell me otherwise.” With such a gentlemanly warning, I placed my cupcake down without breaking eye contact and he put his large hands on my waist and pulled me closer. I stared into his eyes, our faces so close that our noses brushed. He put his hand on the back of my neck and the other one brushed along my cheek. His eyes devoured mine. Then he paused, giving me a second to stop if I wanted to, but I definitely didn’t.
I reached and ran my hand down his scratchy jaw line, savoring the rough texture. Grant leaned closer to my mouth. I was still too far away, I needed to reach his face better. I kneeled on the couch and ran one hand through his hair, the soft brown strands flowing through my fingers. I placed the other hand on the back of his neck. He was so close, I could feel each rapid inhale of his chest and I watched his eyes desperately studying mine. The smell of chocolate mingling with his scent of earth and leather wrapped itself tighter around me.
His lips inched closer and parted a breath away from mine.
Then he grabbed my hips, pulling me onto his lap. My lips fell into his and the warmth of his arms circled me. His chest was hard as it pressed against mine, trying to pull me even closer to him.
Grant nipped at my bottom lip, and I gasped before I returned the gesture. The tip of his tongue traced the edge of my bottom lip and I savored the taste of him.
The energy changed and his lips were on my neck trailing down to my collar bone leaving a burning trail in their wake. I couldn’t get enough of him. I brought his mouth back to mine and the kiss softened. Our foreheads rested against each other. I stared into his brown eyes as he rubbed my back.
“Emma, you’re so beautiful.” It came out as a rough whisper.
I slid my hands over his jawline. He closed his eyes and leaned into my touch.
“There’s a reason we call you Mr. Muscles.” I traced a finger along his arm with a smile, feeling the strength beneath. “You know you’re gorgeous, right? I still don’t get why you’re here with me.” I leaned back, remembering how this would one day end. One day hurt.
His eyebrows dipped down and he eyes locked with mine. “What are you talking about?”
Ugh! I was totally ruining this moment.
“Grant, you are basically a Greek god. Any woman would melt in your arms.” I looked down at myself sitting on his lap. “I’m not every man’s cup of tea.” I shrugged.
“First off, tea’s gross. It’s basically drinking watered-down grass.” He brushed his fingers along my chin until I looked up at him. “Secondly, why?”
I huffed. “I don’t know.” I glanced at the ceiling. “Maybe because I’m eccentric, weird, and curvy? The guys I dated—they hated my movie taste, they started liking me, but then I think they wanted me to be more…normal?”
He ran his hands down the curves of my sides, and I fought the urge to suck in. “You’re wrong.” He growled against my throat. “I think you’ve spent too much time with insecure little boys.” He kissed my throat.
I tipped my head to the side, giving him better access to the curve of my neck.
“You are beautiful. I love that you know who you are and what you like. It’s sexy. And personally…” He raised his brows and gave me a wicked grin. “I really enjoy your curves.”
I chuckled.
He held my face in his strong hands and looked into my eyes. “So, let’s try again.” He paused and looked me in the eyes. “Emma, you are beautiful.”
I couldn’t stop my smile and his hungry eyes shot to my lipsagain. “Thanks!” I giggled and pulled him to my mouth so I could kiss him. “You’re not so bad yourself.” I whispered into his ear.
“Mr. Muscles?” He shook his head. “Really?”
“Do you prefer Greek god?”
He rolled his eyes. “That’s just ridiculous.”
Several kisses later, I heard an explosion coming from the movie behind me. “I think you’re right,” I whispered into his ear.
“About what?” His nose was pressed against my throat, smelling my skin.
“This might be my new favorite movie.” I nudged my nose against his.
Grant growled and nipped at my ear. “Okay, now you actually have to watch it.”
I giggled as I slid off his lap, and he wrapped his arms around me as we refocused on watching the movie.
I tilted my head up and kissed him on his dimple. “Fine, I’ll stop kissing you and actually watch.”
His eyes dropped to my kiss-swollen lips. “Doubt it.”
