I was breathing heavily when I stopped talking, and my fists were clenched at my sides.
Marc was quiet, but I could tell he was mulling over what I’d said, and I could also tell that part of him felt the same way. Which was why I was ready when he crossed the room, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me.
It was better than the first time. Deeper. Longer. More intense. Every move of his lips made my body tremble, and every brush of his hands made my heart beat faster. He held my face then moved his hands down. To my shoulders, my arms, then up so they were around me. One was on my upper back and the other my waist. He gripped my ass and pulled me closer, and I clung to him as we kissed, our mouths insistent and needy and urgent. We were taking a risk, but like I’d said, I didn’t care. I wanted this, wanted him. Wanted more.
“Ara,” he whispered against my skin as he kissed his way down my neck, his hands moving up my body and stopping just under my breasts. “I’ve been going crazy not talking to you.”
Tears pricked at my eyes, but before I could respond, he was kissing me again. Then we were moving, me walking backward while he directed me. I didn’t know where we were going or even care. I just let him lead me.
We ended up in the janitor’s closet. Among the shelves of cleaning products and brooms and mops, we kissed and hastily undressed as much as we dared. I wanted this, wanted him, but we didn’t have much time.
It was over fast, but it was good, and we were both panting by the time we’d finished. Marc’s skin was sweaty as I clung to him, my legs around his waist. I could taste the salt on his lips when I kissed him yet again.
He buried his face in my neck. “This is stupid.”
“But worth it,” I replied, to which he said nothing.
He continued to hold me, his lips against my neck, his breath hot against my skin. I closed my eyes, savored the closeness. I hadn’t had sex in years, had thought I didn’t miss it. I’d been wrong. Maybe, though, it was only the intimacy I’d missed. Without Trevor, I’d felt horribly alone the last few weeks.
I opened my eyes when Marc finally eased his hold on me.He set me down, not looking at me, shaking his head as he began to gather his clothes. I did, too, knowing we couldn’t let this drag out forever.
“We can’t do this again,” he said as I pulled on my jeans.
I turned, still buttoning them. “Don’t say that.”
“I have to, Ara. Shit. Don’t you understand? It’s too risky.”
“You listen to me,” I said, moving so I was standing in front of him, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look me in the eye. “I already said I thought it was worth it, that we’re worth it, and I meant it. Don’t leave me to deal with all this shit alone. Please.”
“Okay. But we need to be a hell of a lot more careful than this.”
“Deal,” I said and managed a smile despite my pounding heart.
Marc returned it, deepening the dimple in his left cheek, then pulled me in for another kiss.
When he broke away, he glanced at the door. “You go out first. I’ll wait ten minutes or so.”
“Okay.” I hesitated then said, “When will I see you next?”
Marc’s brown eyes focused on me again. “Tonight. Fourth floor.”
“See you then,” I said, unable to hold in a smile.
The grin he gave me made my knees weak. “See you then.”
I felt like I was walking on a cloud the rest of the day. My steps were light, and my body hummed, and every time I thought about Marc, my stomach twisted delightfully. I couldn’t wait to see him again.
We met where we’d shared our first kiss. He was waiting when I arrived, and when he saw me, he stood. I walked faster and, like a teenager in love for the first time, threw my arms around him when I reached him. Marc hugged me back, kissed me deeply, then pulled away. Then he grabbed my hand and led me to the nearest door. He dug in his pocket as he walked, producing a key, which he dangled in front of me.
“The master,” he said, then got to work unlocking room 417.
I lifted my eyebrows. “Does everyone have one?”
“No.”
Marc pushed the door open and waved for me to go ahead. I hurried in and he followed, gently shutting the door behind him. The room was so cloaked in shadows that I could barely see him, but when a click sounded, I knew he’d locked the door.
“There are a handful of master keys,” he explained, “but I managed to get my hands on one. I’ll put it back tomorrow.”
