Her arms around me confine me in the most delicious way.
Eliza, unaware of my turmoil, rises on the tips of her feet and plants her soft lips on my cheek.
It’s quick and innocent but it dissolves the restraint I’ve been holding onto for dear life. It didn’t matter. I can’t stay away and deny the swell of longing when I’m this close to her.
I don’t want to let go and when she finally looks at me the air around us becomes heavy with expectation. It pulses with desire and unspoken curiosity.
We stare at each other and her breathing becomes shallow, with dark eyes and a fucking sexy blush blooming over her cleavage. My mouth is dry and every part of her body touching mine is on fire. I want to thread my fingers through the light copper hair haunting my dreams, but she puts her palms on my chest and very gently pushes herself out of the embrace.
Disappointment sprouts in my gut, but I don’t want to push too hard. “If it’s not what you wanted I can take it somewhere else or—”
“No! We’re not throwing this beauty away. Some polishing and wires and it will be as good as new.”
The way she caresses the brass and checks the glasswork is so delicate.
Her eyes sparkle with joy now and she’s talking to herself, planning the steps.
“Maybe I can help you,” I clear my throat. “Or just watch,” I fumble.
She smiles so brightly, like I gave her the biggest compliment.
“Sure, city boy. If you don’t mind getting dirty.”
The thought of getting dirty with her prompts another wave of inappropriate images. The lack of sex must be really getting to me if my dick is triggered this fast by an innocent comment.
Chapter Nineteen
ELIZA
No matter how much I toss and turn there’s no comfort from the frustrating ache wreaking havoc through my body. The sheets rub harshly against my flushed skin.
It’s a restlessness that kept swelling to unbearable heights ever since I made the mistake of hugging Carter. The brief collision made a certain part of my body pulse and I’m close to breaking point. I need something. A release.
I throw the comforter away, irritated, and head for the kitchen. Maybe some water will help me cool down.
My body is throbbing from the warmth of his body against mine, the imprint of his hand on my back still burning, pooling lava in my belly. I want to scream and shed my skin.
I did my best to bury any attraction toward Carter. It’s been extremely difficult this past week with all the time we spent together.
It was just a hug, Eliza! I don’t even remember the last time I had sex with Jared, or more importantly, when I had an orgasm, but this is ridiculous. The heat of the moment was all in my head. Carter has made it more than clear he’s not interested.
The creak of the floorboards startles me and I spin, grasping the kitchen counter in a death grip.
Carter is stock still, a statue in the semi-dark entryway, his chest hardly moving. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
His stare is too intense, and my eyes drop to the floor. “I can’t sleep.”
Without a word, he steps closer. And closer. The intensity in his gaze is electric, a spark ready to ignite this charged air between us. I blink and we’re standing toe to toe. The movement sucks the air out of the room, my lungs burning. I’m not imagining the hungry look in his eyes.
“Something bothering you, kitten?” His voice is low, but it fills the space around us. The dim light from the lantern lamp plays in his eyes and it’s hypnotizing.
I swallow and he follows the movement, biting the inside of his lip. Carter rests a cool hand on the side of my neck, his thumb slowly pressing up and down. The touch is scorching, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it left a mark on my skin.
“Maybe I can help you.” He leans closer and his breath caresses my face. He smells of clean sheets and the honey soap I put in his room. I want to bury my face in the crook of his neck, but my knees are liquid. I’m afraid if I make a sound, the spell will break, and he will retreat again. I’ve yearned for his touch for so long. It’s a moment I want to savor as much as I can until he puts his walls back up.
The muscles in his arms strain, holding back. “Are you going to let me?”
His question ignites me, heat rushing to my cheeks. I just nod, eagerness dripping downmy bloodstream.
