“What about your brother?”
“He needs to treat me as an adult. If I’m old enough to run a country, I’m capable of a relationship with you. I’m not stupid. I’ve seen the women come on to you when we’re out together. You smile at them. You’re polite, but you never flirt with them, not unless they’re old enough to be your grandmother. Each day, you look out for me in a dozen little ways. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Matt can’t do anything except holler from Afghanistan. When he comes home on leave, I’ll set him straight.”
“Your brother is after my blood. He’s threatened me.”
“Are you positive about us?” Ashley asked, her gaze direct and unflinching.
“Yes.” His throat tightened again. “I-I thought you’d tell me to leave.”
“It never entered my mind. Are we positive we found every hidden camera in this room?”
“Yes. We checked the entire house.”
“Then, let’s go to bed.” She scanned the four corners of her bedroom. “And just to make sure, we’ll turn off the lights.”
Josh’s world tipped again, this time resettling in a place of peace. Happiness.
Laughing, he settled her on the bed. He reached over to switch off the lamp before yanking off his footwear and clothes. Naked, he joined her, determined to give her actions. The words, he’d give her later once his brain rattled back into place.
Ashley wriggled out of her loose T-shirt and panties, firing the garments away instead of tidily folding them as was her standard MO.
He hadn’t said no.
When she’d expected rejection, especially given the BS that was her life at present, he’d surprised her. Her pulse still raced, and if she held out her right hand, she suspected it’d tremble.
Josh rolled closer, his hands smoothing over her shoulders. “You’re naked.”
“I thought it’d be quicker if I stripped too.”
A chuckle escaped him, and her world settled onto a more level equilibrium.
Then their mouths connected in the darkness. At first attempt, their teeth clashed but Josh tugged her closer, fit their bodies together, and the kiss settled into perfect.
In the intimate darkness, their lovemaking was fast and furious. Hands stroked roughly as Josh sucked hard on one nipple. Her body bloomed for him, Ashley on board with this, with Josh, with the potential of a future. Desire rippled through her, a certainty in the rightness of her decision.
“Josh,” she protested when he separated their bodies.
“Condom,” he muttered.
“I’m glad you’re thinking,” she whispered.
He laughed. “It’s a close thing.”
“Do you need the light?”
“Nope.”
Foil crinkled and Josh shifted his body. “Come on top of me.”
Ashley didn’t argue. She straddled his big, muscular body and guided his cock to her entrance. Without haste, she sank down and savored the sensual stretch, the decadent glide as she took him deep.
“That feels amazing, sweetheart,” he whispered. His voice sounded thicker than usual, and the depth of his passion filled her heart with warmth.
She rose and fell, letting her body guide her.
“Ashley, you’re gorgeous,” he whispered. “You are a goddess.”
His compliment filled her cheeks with a delighted blush. “It’s dark. You can’t see me.”
