I raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “Oh really? Like what?”
Instead of answering, he took the dish towel from my hand, tossing it aside with a casual flick as he backed me against the sink, his hands sliding to my waist. The heat of his body pressed against mine, and I could feel his breath on my neck as he leaned in, lips brushing against my ear.
“Like this,” he whispered before leaning in to capture my lips with a tenderness that took me by surprise. The kiss was gentle, almost reverent, his lips moving softly against mine, igniting a warmth that spread through my chest. I responded just as gently, my fingers curling into his shirt, pulling him closer as a sweet, comforting connection blossomed between us. When he finally pulled back, Ethan’s eyes were dark with desire, a devilish glint shimmering as he leaned in.
A breathless laugh escaped me, my chest rising and falling rapidly. “You’re not exactly relaxing me here, Ethan.”
He smirked, his lips hovering just inches from mine. “Good,” he breathed, the word dripping with intent. “Because relaxing isn’t what I had in mind.”
Without warning, his mouth claimed mine in a kiss that was more demanding. His hands slid down my sides, fingers digging into my hips as he pressed me firmly against the counter. The cool surface contrasted with the warmth of his body, igniting a fire deep within me.
I responded eagerly, my fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer, desperate to erase any space between us. Every brush of his tongue,every nip of his teeth, sent electric currents coursing through me. But, even as the kiss deepened, there was a care in the way he touched me—a softness that told me this was more than just lust for him.
He pulled back slightly, his lips trailing down my jawline to the sensitive spot just below my ear. His hot breath against my skin made me gasp, knees weakening as he continued his assault, but his touch remained gentle.
“You’ve been driving me crazy,” he whispered, his voice thick with longing. “Every time I see you, all I can think about is how much I want you.”
I let out a soft moan, the confession fanning the flames of my own desire. “Ethan,” I breathed, hardly recognizing my own voice.
He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against my neck. His hands roamed upward, fingers lightly brushing the hem of my shirt, but never quite crossing the boundary. It was maddening, the way he teased, building me up only to hold back.
Swallowing hard, I mustered the courage to voice the truth. “I want you,” I whispered, the admission hanging heavy between us.
A growl rumbled deep in his chest, his eyes flashing with renewed intensity, but there was still a gentleness in his touch as he cupped my face. “Say it again,” he asked softly, his thumb brushing tenderly over my cheek.
“I want you,” I repeated, louder this time, confidence growing.
In an instant, his lips were on mine once more, the kiss searing and possessive, but filled with an underlying sweetness that made my knees weak. His hands slid beneath my thighs, lifting me effortlessly. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist, the new position pressing us even closer together.
As Ethan carried me from the kitchen to the living room, the tension between us coiled tighter with each step. His strong arms held me close, and the feel of his body, firm and powerful against mine, sent shivers downmy spine. The anticipation was almost too much to bear. Every second that passed heightened my need; my longing for him.
When he reached the couch, he settled down with me straddling his lap, and I could feel his arousal pressing against me, hot and insistent, even through the fabric of our clothes. It made me gasp, a flood of heat pooling low in my belly. Ethan’s hands were everywhere, exploring my body with a hunger that matched my own. He started by sliding his hands under my shirt, his fingertips grazing my bare skin.
His touch was electric, each stroke of his fingers igniting a trail of fire across my skin. I was achingly aware of how little separated us, how the dress I wore offered only the thinnest barrier between his hands and my bare skin. Beneath it, I had chosen to wear my nicest lacy underwear, a decision I now felt grateful for. The soft fabric brushed against my skin, adding to the sensuality of the moment, making every touch from Ethan even more tantalizing.
My breath caught as his hands moved higher, brushing against the curve of my breasts, his touch light and teasing. My pulse quickened, the anticipation building to an unbearable peak.
Ethan leaned in, his lips finding mine in a kiss that was tender and demanding. His tongue teased the seam of my lips, seeking entrance, and when I parted them, he deepened the kiss, his mouth hot and insistent against mine. His hands continued their exploration, fingers tracing the line of my spine, then moving down to cup my ass, pulling me closer until I was pressed tight against him. The friction between the lace and his firm touch sent a jolt of pleasure through me, making me moan softly into his mouth.
He pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with hunger as he looked at me. “God, Vinnie. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this. Wantedyou.”
I responded by grinding my hips against him, desperate for more contact, more of him. His hands tightened on my hips, guiding me as I moved, the friction between us building a delicious pressure that made my head spin. But, just when I thought he would give in, he slowed, his hands sliding back up my body, tracing the curve of my waist, the swell of my breasts, teasing me, making me ache for more.
He kissed me again, his lips moving from my mouth to my jaw, then down to my neck, sucking and nipping at the sensitive skin there. I tilted my head back, giving him better access, my fingers tangling in his hair as I tried to pull him closer, to urge him on. But Ethan was in control, his pace slow and deliberate, driving me to the edge without ever letting me fall.
“You’re killing me,” I gasped, my voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and need. “Ethan, please . . . Ineedyou.”
He chuckled, the sound low and rough against my skin as he nipped at my collarbone. “Patience, Vinnie,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear. “I want to savor every inch of you.”
But patience was the last thing on my mind. The need between my thighs had become a dull ache, the anticipation almost painful. “Ethan . . .” I pleaded, my voice a desperate whisper. “Please.”
His hands moved lower, sliding beneath the dress I wore, his fingers tracing the smooth skin of my stomach before moving up to cup my breast. His touch was both gentle and possessive, his thumb brushing over my nipple in a way that made me gasp. The sensation was exquisite, and a jolt of pleasure shot straight through me, making my hips buck against him. He groaned softly, his control slipping as he began to knead the soft flesh. His fingers rolling my nipple between them through the lacy fabric of my bra, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me.
Without breaking eye contact, he slowly lifted the dress over my head, tossing it aside, and the cool air hit my skin, making it tingle in contrast tothe heat radiating between us. His eyes darkened as they roamed over my body, taking in the sight of the lace that clung to my curves.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned back to fully admire me. His gaze was full of desire, but there was something else there, too—something deeper, more tender. “Every inch of you, Vinnie. I want to take my time with you.”
With that, he gently lifted me off his lap, laying me down on the couch. I watched him through half-lidded eyes, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as he knelt between my legs, his hands sliding up my thighs, parting them. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, as he pulled down the black lace that barely covered me. When he finally touched me, his fingers brushing over the wetness pooling between my thighs, I couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped my lips.
