Since then, I’ve been too focused on work, on living my dream. And maybe… honestly… I’ve been too shy. Too insecure. Too torn between feeling beautiful one day in a cute dress, then too vulnerable if a man ever takes it off if he sees the real me. It’s been easier hiding in my career.
But with Loch, there’s no hiding. There’s a new drug in my veins, making me bold. Brave. Beautiful. Even demanding. But I’m sounding a little desperate. I keep flubbing my lines.
My god, I’m practically proposing to him.
“I mean, uh, it’s not like I’m husband shopping or rushing. I like being alone and?—”
“I know what you mean.” He leans back, relaxed, his eyes glowing, but oddly, he keeps balling his fists. “I want the same. A job I like. But more? I want a wife I love and kids I adore.”
I bet his wife will be gorgeous. Like a perfect blonde doll with no stretch marks.
God, I’m losing my mind around this man.
But Loch won’t stop looking at methatway.
Like I’m a comedy show and amusing the hell out of him. Or he’s braced over me in bed, making me want to open my legs for him.
I can’t breathe through his intensity. Can’t think with his focus on me. His innuendos make me fall in love and feel like a fool at the same time.
I can’t decipher Sexy As Fuck. I don’t speak the language. I just get flustered when I’m sitting across from it, and a man who looks like Loch is speaking it to me… fluently.
It doesn’t help that my empty bed is right behind him—like a neon sign flashing HOT SEX HERE.
“Cheesecake?” I pop up, grabbing our plates.
“Sure. Let me help.” He grabs them back.
It’s five steps into my tight galley kitchen, where I openthe refrigerator and take out the slice I bought at the grocery store.
While he brushes behind me, setting the dishes in the sink, I reach for a plate in the cabinet and the air between us gets heavier. The room hotter. The world smaller. And steamier.Is it just me?
“I, uh, only bought one slice at the bakery, but we can split it.” I keep my back to him, plating the dessert while trying to hide my panting breath.
Or is that his? Matching mine?
My heart races. My hands shake. My mind is confused while my body is pretty sure—I think he wants me.
But how would I know? Men give off an aroused pheromone. Right? Is that what this is? It’s making me feel silly, snared, and seduced.
Maybe I’m just confused.
I’ve never had a man want me, and he’s being really quiet. So I turn around… gasping, I find Loch a breath away, his massive form eclipsing the lamp light.
“I really shouldn’t do this, Alena.” His warm body presses mine against the countertop. Softly, he caresses his thumb over my bottom lip, making my nipples tighten, goose bumps blooming everywhere. “Not withyou. Not with my colleague. Not without asking. I’ll get in trouble, but…”
He.
Does.
Tilting his head, he leans down, brushing his soft lips over mine. It’s a tender kiss,my first kiss,violently flipping my world so fast, I moan into his mouth, happy tears suddenly biting at my eyes.
My moan makes him release the most delicious, guttural groan, hungrily fisting my hair, and I drop the plate. It crashes to the floor as he crashes his lips against mine, not caring, not stopping.
His talented tongue slowly penetrates my mouth, his passionate lips erasing my mind. Gently, he tugs my hair as he cups my cheek, his hot kiss claiming my body as if it belongs to him, andI think it does.
I’ve never been kissed before, not on the mouth, but I think Loch’s the best at it. Ever.
He must be because he teaches, and I want to learn. My lips match his, my tongue following his, my breath moaning with his. My body melds to his, giving him total control.
