He dithered as if trying to make up his mind.Exasperation curled through her, and she rose, stepping into his personal space.Again, she wanted to laugh at his deer-in-headlights stare.She edged closer.Until now, she’d kept her gaze on his face.Now, she wished she’d sneaked a glance at his torso because standing this close to him made her feel feminine and even dainty.He was a big man with prominent muscles and didn’t spend his days lolling about eating pizza.
“This is a mistake.”His words were low, tortured.
“Why?I repeat, you asked me on a date.Did you not intend to kiss me good night?”
He flinched when she placed her hands on his shoulders.“You don’t understand.”
“I’d like to, and that counts for something.I might be young in years, but I’ve been on my own since my parents died.While I had adult supervision, I learned about independence and aiming for my goals.”She paused because she’d spelled out her wants.If he intended to run again, let him.She wouldn’t force herself on him.She wouldn’t inflict herself on anyone.
Maia straightened, meeting his gaze and silently reinforcing with her expression and posture that she was serious.It was weird how his eyes glowed golden—a little freaky, even.It reminded her of the other-world characters she wrote.
“I hope you don’t regret this.”He waited for a beat as if he thought she might object.
Not gonna happen.
When she thought he might seize her and act as a caveman, he did the opposite, delightfully surprising her.He tugged her nearer until her breasts flirted with his chest.She wasn’t wearing a bra, and her T-shirt was no barrier.Her nipples grew hard, and a shudder worked down her body.She drew in a sharp breath, and that was the moment he claimed her mouth.His lips were soft against hers and cajoling rather than demanding.
Maia’s eyes drifted shut, and she pressed closer, enjoying the gentle kiss that weakened her knees.Her stomach fluttered, and she never wanted this kiss to end.
But it did.
Henry gentled his hold and placed more distance between them even though they remained touching.
“You didn’t scream.”
“Why would I?I asked you to kiss me.”
“True, but my mind keeps telling me you’re a kid.No, wait,” he said when she protested.“It didn’t feel as if I was kissing a child.”
“I should hope not.”
Before she could summon more indignation, he kissed her again, and this one contained more passion.It was a lover’s kiss, and Maia wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight as she enjoyed the slant of his firm lips across hers.Henry cupped her head with one big hand, controlling the kiss.Those flutters in her stomach deepened as he varied the intensity.He didn’t thrust his tongue into her mouth but paused, going slowly when she opened for him.Their tongues tangled, and she moaned, relishing this new intimacy.
Her nipples brushed his pectoral muscles, the slow drag adding another layer to the pleasure blooming inside her.
Henry drew back, his golden gaze intense and mysterious.“Fuck.”
Maia grinned.“Yes, please.”
Henry scowled.“That’s not amusing.What about your head wound?”
“It’s a bit funny.”Her grin widened, and she winked.“My head is fine as long as we don’t get too adventurous.If I’m experiencing pain, I’ll tell you.I want to be clear.I’m happy with this interaction between us.Just so we’re extra transparent, I want more kissing, and I’d like to advance to sex.Hot, toe-curling sex.Got that?”
“Half of the population of Middlemarch heard you,” Henry said drily.
“Excellent, because I don’t want misunderstandings between us or Middlemarch residents.We’re going to date, just like you said.I refuse to hear you mention my age again.”
“Are you always this bossy?”
“When I know what I want.”
“Interesting.”Henry entwined his fingers with hers and directed her toward his sleep mat.
“My bed would work much better.”
Henry paused, tilting his head as if considering her suggestion.“A double bed.”
“Queen size,” she corrected.
