“Say my name, Ruby.” His mouth was inches from hers.
“Th-This is not talking.”
“I know, but I need to kiss you. Need it as much as my next breath. Knowing that man had you in his sights and what could have happened is playing on my mind.”
“He did not hurt me.”
“He could have.”
The kiss, when it came, was soft, and so very sweet. He pulled her into his body, his arms holding her close. Her breasts crushed to his chest, and his mouth simply took from hers.
“I want you, Ruby, but it is more than that. What I feel inside is more than that. I care about you.”
“I care about you too.” The time for untruths was past. There was here and now. “But I don’t know what that means. That man—”
“Will never get near you again.”
The words were a vow, and for the first time in forever, she felt hope. Hope that perhaps this man did care for her.
“But what does this mean, Forrest.” His name felt strange on her lips, but his smile was her reward.
“This means that you are important to me. This means I want you in my life and my future. This means you and your brother will never be alone again.”
Ruby didn’t allow nerves to stop her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in. This time it was she who kissed him. She who told him she wanted him in her life as much as he wanted her in his.
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
He had the fire at his back and Ruby pressed to his front. He was a furnace of heat. She’d said she cared; the rest they would work out in time. Right here and now, he wanted to kiss and hold the woman he loved.
Christ, he loved a woman. The thought was both terrifying and wonderful.
Her lips were tentative, but he let her explore what lay between them. Let her take charge, even though his body ached for more. His hands moved slowly up and down her back and sides, his thumbs brushing the underside of her breasts each time he reached them. Her little sighs told him she felt each featherlight touch.
“Ruby.” He eased back and pressed his lips to her neck. She smelled of lemons, her skin warm.“I want you.”
“I want you too.”
He looked at her. Eyes sleepy with desire. Legs now open, thighs braced on either side of his body.
Forrest ran a finger down her neck, feeling nervous and yet alive. Almost as if this was his first time kissing and touching a woman. And yet, this was the first time he had touched a woman he loved. A woman he burned for. That made it feel different.
Their kisses grew heated, she pressed closer to him, her body arching into his. Needing more as he did.
“I want to see you, Ruby, but only if that is what you wish.”
She nodded. Cheeks flushed with color, eyes filled with sensual heat. She looked lush and tempting, and he wanted to taste every inch of her.
He rose, taking her with him, and then held her close briefly before she pushed out of his arms.
He watched as she released the buttons of her dress. Her eyes shot to his when she was done.
“I’m nervous.”
“I would not ask you to do anything that frightened you, my sweet.”
Her nod was small and then she eased the fabric from her shoulders.
She wore no chemise, and his eyes swept down her body. The curve of her breasts and peaks of her nipples had his body hard.
