“So when you come home and someone is freaking out over getting a speeding ticket ...”
“Exactly,” he nodded. “Until you’ve faced extreme situations, it’s very easy to take things for granted and get worked up over things that won’t matter ever.”
“When you come home, how do you spend your first twenty-four hours?”
Luke grinned. “I sleep for most of them.”
Harper laughed. “So how would you like to spend your last few hours here?”
Luke’s hand on her knee tracked higher, dragging the material of her dress with it.
“It this a hint?” Willing to play, Harper spread her knees. Her dress hiked up high enough to reveal her white cotton briefs.
“Are you trying to distract me?” Luke teased. His finger trailed lazily over the edge of the material.
He might not love her, but he wanted her with an intensity that scared them both. And that was something.
Harper hooked her legs on either side of the seat. It was an invitation.
“Don’t you know it’s dangerous to distract the driver?” As he spoke, the pads of his fingers circled her folds through the cotton.
“Mmm,” Harper murmured.
Luke tugged the material to one side, baring her to him. This time his fingers met flesh.
“Jesus, baby, you’re already wet.”
Luke pulled into the driveway, tires squealing. “I want you inside,” he ordered.
Harper grabbed her bag and jumped out, hurrying up the walk. When she fumbled with the keys at the front door, he pressed against her. Harper shifted back to grind into him.
Luke pulled the halter tie of her dress loose and let her breasts tumble free into his hands. Harper shoved the front door open and dragged him across the threshold by his belt buckle.
He spun her around to face him and kicked the door shut behind him.
They were interrupted by Lola and Max charging down the hall to greet them.
“I’m putting them in the backyard. Meet me upstairs,” he breathed. “But leave your dress on. I’m going to undress you.”
Her pulse skittering out of control, Harper took the stairs two at a time. She had just enough time to pull the clip out of her hair and kick off her sandals before she heard Luke on the stairs.
When he appeared in the doorway, her heart flip-flopped in her chest. Luke approached her, yanking his sweater over his head.
“Damn you’re built,” Harper sighed.
“Baby, I was about to say the same thing.” His hands were on her now, skimming the sides of her bare breasts. I’ve been thinking about taking this dress off of you since you came downstairs wearing it.”
She shivered under his gentle touch. Her fingers flew over his belt buckle to open it. Luke stilled her hands with his and tugged the belt loose. He brought his hands to her face. “I’m taking my time with you tonight.”
Breathless, Harper nodded.
“You’re so beautiful, Harper.” His fingers trailed along her jawline to the back of her neck. Luke lowered his mouth to hers, and she gave herself up to the slow burn of the fire, melting into his arms.
His fingers burned blazing paths down her bare, igniting nerves with each caress.
He paused at her waist and slowly began to lower the dress over her hips, down her thighs, until it pooled in frothy puddle at her feet.
Dressed only in her underwear, Harper knelt before him and slid his pants down his muscled legs.
