I don’t want to be in charge or worry about anything.
But before I can walk upstairs to shower and get cozy, Rome comes strolling out of the den, his hands in his pockets.
He’s still in his slacks, but he shed his jacket at some point, and his black dress shirtsleeves are rolled up his forearms, showing me some of his tattoos. His blue eyes brighten when he sees me, and a sly smile works its way over his lips.
“You’re home.” He walks, his body lithe and lean and so fucking beautiful, straight to me, and his hands come up to my face. He kisses me gently at first, then he deepens the kiss, stealing my breath.
If I wanted my mind to empty, he just did a good job of it.
“How was target practice?” he asks against my lips.
“I’m sorry, what? You just kissed all of my brain cells away.”
He grins and does it again, drifting those magical lips over mine, and my knees feel weak. My hands fist in his shirt, holding on for dear life as he sinks into me.
When he finally comes up for air, he brushes my hair behind my ear.
“How are you, firefly?”
“Tired. Overstimulated. And now, I’m turned on.”
He kisses my forehead. “Are you hungry?”
“Now that you mention it, yes. We have some leftover lasagna. Would you like some?”
“That’s too heavy for what I have in store for you tonight.” He hasn’t stopped touching me. His fingertips drift down my neck and over mycollarbone.
“How about some soup and sandwiches? There’s still the beef with vegetables I made the other day and grilled cheese sandwiches.”
“Perfect.” He tips my chin up. “Here’s what I want you to do. Are you listening?”
Of course, I’m listening, but I’m also enjoying the feel of his hard, warm body against me.
“Yes.”
“Go upstairs and take a shower. I want you to put your hair up in a bun off your back. Dress in something comfortable and come down to eat. I’ll get dinner ready.”
I frown up at him. “Aren’t you going to work?”
“No.” He leans down to kiss the top of my head. “I need time with you tonight. Just you and me, baby. I have plans for you. So go do what I say.”
I blink up at him. He’s more intense than usual tonight. He’s still kind and gentle, but his voice leaves no room for argument, and there’s an edge in his eyes I haven’t seen before.
It’s both unsettling and intriguing.
“Okay.”
Before I turn away, I step closer and hug him around the middle, my cheek pressed to his chest. His arms fold around me and tighten, holding me close, and he takes a moment to rock me back and forth.
“Breathe, baby.”
I smile and take a deep breath, inhaling his spicy scent and soaking in his warm embrace.
“I didn’t know how badly I needed this,” I murmur against him.
“A hug?” he asks.
“Yeah.”
