MEL COULDN’T HELPthe wide smile that crossed her face as his words still hung in the air.You look absolutely beautiful. “Any girl looks great in this many diamonds,” she said.
“Maybe. But you look beyond great. You look on fire. And you definitely deserved to try them on.”
She couldn’t meet his eyes any longer. “Thanks. I really wasn’t fishing for compliments. I just…” She shrugged. She couldn’t explain it. And the truth was, she had a feeling he already understood. Heck, he seemed to be able to read her mind about everything else.
The truth was, the necklace seemed to call to her. She’d seen some amazing jewelry during her career, but this necklace took the cake. Warm and inviting, it had begged for her touch. And while she knewshe couldn’t keep it, that she had to give it up, she wanted just one moment. Just one tiny chance to play the princess.
Now that she had it on, she understood all the fuss about ostentatious jewelry. It weighed a ton, yes, but at the same time it seemed to hold her up higher.
She reached up, touching the stones at her neck. “They’re so beautiful.”
“Yes,” he said from behind her. “You are.”
She turned around, taking her eyes from her reflection to look at this man. The diamonds must be affecting more than her reflection, she thought, because right then all she wanted was to feel the touch of his hands on her body, the press of his lips against hers. She knew she was lost in the fantasy, but she didn’t care. If she was playing the princess, then he was playing the prince, and she really and truly wanted to be swept away.
She took a step forward, her lips parted just slightly, her eyes never leaving his. His blue eyes darkened, like the sea at night, and he brushed her cheek, then traced his fingertip over the swell of her lower lip.
Her pulse increased, her whole body alive with anticipation. She wanted his touch, wanted his kiss,and she leaned in, ready to simply take what she hoped he would willingly give.
Their lips met, and his fingers twined through her hair. Her knees went weak, her legs unable to support her, and she was grateful for his other arm tight around her waist.
His mouth pressed hot against her, and he explored her thoroughly. Filling her and tormenting her. She wanted more but knew she couldn’t have it. Not then. Likely not ever.
His hand stroked her hair, then caressed her neck, her back, before sliding down to cup her rear. He pulled her closer, pressing her tight to him, until his thigh was right between her legs and she could feel the hard length of him against her. The pressure of his body next to hers drove her wild, but she concentrated only on the kiss. On the way he tasted. On his masculine scent that overwhelmed her senses.
Dear Lord, he was driving her crazy.
He shifted then, and she realized he was leading her to the bed. Her head told her to protest. The rest of her followed willingly and begged for his touch. He eased her down, then straddled her, his knees on either side of her hips as he started to unfasten the buttons of her shirt. One button, two…
She drew a shaky breath, her stomach quivering as his fingers grazed her skin. He bent over, presseda kiss just below her bra, and Mel was certain that she was going to come right then.
She tangled her fingers in his hair, wanting more. Wanting—
Below them the doorbell chimed, the sound echoing through the house and jolting Mel back to reality. She sat up, fastening her shirt as Kyle backed away.
She drew in a breath but couldn’t meet his eyes. What the hell had they been thinking?
“Saved by the bell,” he said, a slight tease in his voice.
She licked her lips. “Let’s just get the necklace back in the vanity and get out of here before we—” She cut herself off. “Well, before we get sidetracked again.”
“Good idea.”
She stood up and readjusted her clothes, trying to ignore the lingering heat his touch had generated. She still wanted more, but she knew that was ridiculous. He didn’t even know her real name, and as soon as this was over, she was heading back to her house and never looking back. That was the way it had to be. There might be some serious attraction brewing here, but she wasn’t about to get involved with a guy who knew she’d been a thief. He’d neverbe able to respect her, and she didn’t want to have to spend every day wondering if he trusted her.
She blinked, realizing she was getting way, way ahead of herself. They’d had only one kiss. He didn’t even know her real name, he wasn’t asking her out and she certainly didn’t think he was making relationship plans.
Quit borrowing problems and get the hell out of there.
Right. Good plan.
She reached back and fumbled with the clasp. No luck. She tried again. Nothing. “It’s stuck.”
“Let me.”
She turned and held up her hair so he could see the clasp. His fingers grazed her skin and she swallowed a moan.
“Sorry,” he said, his voice low.
