For a moment, they didn’t move, bodies pulsing as they cooled, harsh breaths filling the air. Her limbs were heavy and still tingling when he rolled them both to the side and eased himself free before snuggling her against his hard body.
She flushed thinking about all they’d done in this bed, but felt no embarrassment, only desire. Had she ever been this wanton? This eager for someone’s touch?
Not once before Todd.
Not once.
He kissed the back of her neck and laughed softly against her hot skin. “You sure missionary’s your favorite?”
She flipped over, craving the visual contact and intimate heat. “The jury’s still out.” She trailed her fingers along his collarbone, feeding her constant need to touch him. “I like being face to face with you, but that was…very nice.”
He grinned. “Sounds like someone’s up for more adventure.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
THE FOLLOWING EVENING, Lindsey gripped Todd’s hand as they walked up the asphalt driveway toward a beautiful two-story house in the suburb of Vienna, set atop a small hill of grass and surrounded by trees.
She wore a red, flower-print summer dress and cute ankle boots that hid her beat-up feet, feeling feminine and pretty for the first time since she’d met him. Lip gloss and mascara had also helped with that, all courtesy of a quick trip to the mall.
Just this morning, Todd had learned that Steele’s business manager, Tara Fujimoto, and one of its former security specialists, Jeff Patarava, had announced their engagement the previous weekend, and the party was tonight.
“Dan and Alyssa have the best place for parties, so we usually end up here for major events. She’s the heir to a shipping fortune, so they can afford this neighborhood. Probably something much bigger, if they wanted. But they also have a house on St. Isidore, where their oldest daughter Flore is from.”
“Ah.” Lindsey had pretty much forgotten everyone’s backstory already, too distracted to retain the details of the stories he’d told her over the past couple of days. She tried to calm her nerves by focusing on the house. It wasn’t a mansion, but the brick Colonial had a two-car garage, a large front porch, and plenty of distance from the neighbors—at least by LA standards—with added privacy provided by a variety of trees and bushes.
When they reached the door, Todd squeezed her hand and rang the bell. “They’re going to love you.”
She nodded and took a deep breath.
“Hey, guys.” A pretty woman with strawberry-blond hair, a definite baby bump, and a chubby toddler on her hip answered the door with a huge smile.
The little girl with a large bow pinned in her brown hair leaned toward them with both arms out. “Todd!”
He chuckled and gave both the child and the woman a hug. “Hi, Sophie.” He pulled back and gestured to the ribbon. “I like your bow.”
Sophie beamed.
Lindsey’s heart turned to goo.
“Thank God you’re okay,” the woman said, ushering them into the two-story foyer. “Everyone was worried.”
“Yeah.” He nodded, sobering. “Me too.” Turning toward Lindsey, he introduced her to Alyssa and her two-year-old daughter.
“It’s nice to meet you.” The woman motioned them to follow her. “We’re so glad you could come tonight.”
The house had decorative details similar to Todd’s, with crown molding and hardwood floors. The walls sported muted colors, and the rooms had been filled with plush furnishings that looked comfortable and kid-friendly.
They passed through a large kitchen—with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a farmhouse sink surrounded by miles of white cabinets—and out onto a wide deck to join about ten other people.
On the grass beyond the deck, several young children squealed and ran in circles around a teenaged girl.
Lindsey tried not to feel overwhelmed as she was introduced to the group. Not only was it a lot of people to keep track of, but all the muscles and beauty on display made her a little self-conscious. At least she didn’t have to meet Todd’s friends wearing another of his oversized shirts.
“Jeff.” Todd shook the hand of an even taller, broader man with wavy brown hair. “Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks.” Jeff’s grin nearly overtook his face. “I’m a lucky guy.” He put his arm around the petite woman next to him—introduced as Tara—and squeezed her closer.
At first glance, he and Tara made an odd couple. Even in three-inch wedge heels, her head didn’t reach his shoulder. Lindsey felt like an Amazon in comparison. Also a little shabby if she were honest. Whereas Jeff was dressed casually in jeans and a gray Colorado tee, Tara looked like she’d just stepped out of a photo shoot in a sage green sundress, her shiny black hair hanging past her shoulders. It wasn’t that her clothes were any nicer than Lindsey’s, but they fit her perfectly. Her entire look was polished in a way Lindsey had never mastered. She might be the most beautiful woman Lindsey had ever seen in person.
