“While I’m no stranger to casual sex, this would be a first.”
“Oh…okay, good to know,” I respond breathily as I push hair behind my ear. Before I can shove my hand back in the safety of my thighs, he catches it in his. His eyes don’t leave the road as he pulls it toward him. I nearly hum as his warm lips press to the back of my hand.
“You getting cold feet? I can take you home if you’d prefer.”
If I told him that’s what I wanted, he’d undoubtedly do it without question or objection, which is why I answer, “Nope. No cold feet.”
We turn right and then turn into a driveway. “Good,because we’re here.” He kisses my hand once more before releasing it and opening his door.
I don’t overthink it as I do the same and carefully climb down. My legs are slightly unsteady as I circle the vehicle. Ian’s heated gaze tracks me as I approach him, gesturing for me to lead the way to the door. I blow out a slow breath through pursed lips as my sneakers silently strike the stone path to his small front porch.
My heart beats harder as I climb the three steps. I wasn’t lying when I said I hadn’t changed my mind, but anticipation swirls through me. The energy at my back shifts as Ian steps up behind me. His body heat envelops me as he reaches around me and punches in the code on the keypad on his door, which looks expensive and more technologically advanced than the normal keyless entries I’ve seen.
Very high tech.
And probably safe.
It’s pathetic how much I took the comfort of safety for granted before the most recent events in my life. Anger starts to devour the more pleasant feelings until Ian’s arm slips around my waist, and I’m pulled flush against his chest.
His lips brush my ear as he whispers, “Inside, Maggie.” Wetness greets my earlobe as his tongue and teeth travel along my skin. “Unless voyeurism is your thing, because if so, I’m down.”
Goosebumps explode on my skin as a delicious shiver unfurls down my spine. He loosens his grip a little as I take a step forward, but I don’t lose his grip completely. I try to make out what I can when we enter his house. But I’m disappointed when the darkness makes it nearly impossible. I’m more curious about this man than anyone I’ve ever met. There’s something about him that draws me in and puts me at ease.
Ian propels us forward down an even darker hall since it lacks the moonlight from the windows. I move my hand out to the side to make sure I know where the wall is, so I don’t run into it. Ian seems to have none of the same concerns.
“Do you have really good night vision or something?” My voice is deafening in the nearly silent house.
“Doctors say it is the best they have ever seen. Wanted to do a study on me and everything.”
I snort a laugh and roll my eyes. “Yeah, okay.”
He playfully pinches my side. “Military training. We had night vision goggles, but sometimes you have to rely on just your own sight.”
“Ah, now that makes way more sense.” And it does. Not just about navigating in the dark, but his whole demeanor fits someone who’s been in the military. If I had to guess, I’d say he was enlisted for a while.
A slight pressure on my side indicates I should take a left. When we’re a few steps into the room, he stops, so I do as well. He walks past me, and his soft footsteps move farther away from me until a click sounds, and we’re both bathed in the low light of a lamp on his nightstand. Quickly glancing around the room, I notice how it’s filled with dark wooden furniture and a moody dark rug, which also seems to fit the man stalking toward me.
He looks even bigger in the dim lighting. My body’s buzzing as he stops inches away from me. A small smile graces his lips while his eyes search my face. With his intense gaze on me, my chest rises and falls more rapidly.
What if he doesn’t like what he sees anymore? What if he wishes he were with someone skinnier? Prettier?
His fingertips brush my cheek as he pushes loose strands of hair behind my ear. I swallow roughly as excitement drowns out any thoughts that aren’t about him and theway he’s looking at me. He carefully slides my glasses off my face and sets them on his nightstand. I thank the eyesight gods for my nearsightedness, so I don’t miss anything when he steps back to me, our bodies inches apart as he cups my cheeks.
“Maggie, you’re so fucking beautiful.” He runs his thumb over my bottom lip, and I fight the urge to lick it. “I want to spank your ass for stepping foot in that goddamn bar by yourself, but fuck, am I sure happy you did.”
The only response I can manage is a mix of a whimper and a strangled moan.
3
Ian
There have been very few times in my life when I’ve felt lucky. But this is undeniably one of them, regardless of how livid it makes me feel to think about this woman being anywhere without me protecting her. She’s too precious to be alone. Maybe later I’ll examine these unusual feelings, but right now is not the time.
Her breath stutters across my thumb, and I feel my control slipping. As corny as it sounds, I need this woman like I need my next breath. My hand wraps around her nape, her skin warm and silky against my own, as I pull her face up to meet mine. When our lips touch, my stomach tenses with lust. Our tongues tease each other as a moan resonates through her that I eagerly swallow.
I take over the kiss and deepen it as I grip the bottom of her shirt, her fingers digging into my sides. Breaking ourkiss to look at her, I smirk as she follows my lips with a disgruntled huff.
“Arms up, Maggie. I need to see you.”
