“I heard you the first time. And this is my true self.”
“Then why are you being so cuddly?”
He grinned. “I love cuddling, and I’m going to show you how much fun it can be.”
She snorted a laugh. “Zack, what has come over you?”
“Youhave come over me, love.” He winked.
“I’m really not comfortable like this.”
“Then do what you can to make yourself comfortable.” He cupped her cheek. “Because Whitney, I know you enjoy being in my arms. I’ve held you enough times already to realize how much you melt when you’re in my embrace.”
“You’re impossible.” She shook her head.
“Quit fighting it, love. I know you really like me.”
She stared at him for several seconds before she released a defeated sigh. “I’ll admit, I like you more now than I did when we first met.”
“And I feel the same about you.”
“But that doesn’t mean I’m going to fall head-over-heels in love with you.” She arched an eyebrow. “And Iknowthat once this is all over with and the senator’s trial has ended, you’ll go your merry way and I’ll go mine. So let’s not make this more complicated than two friends hiding out at a ranch.”
“But what if,” he said seductively as he rubbed beneath her lower lip with his thumb, “there is more between us? Don’t you think we should try to find out exactly what is between us?”
Her breathing turned ragged. His heartbeat was already knocking in an unsteady rhythm because of her nearness.
“Let me guess,” Whitney ran her fingers through his hair, being careful not to touch his sunburned ear, “the billionaire playboy is lonely for a woman’s touch?”
He loved how gentle she was with him, and he closed his eyes and smiled. “I’m lonely foryourtouch.”
For the next few moments, the only sound he heard was her ragged breaths, and her occasional hard swallow. Soon her hand moved from his hair and dropped to his shoulder before it slowly slid down his chest. He released a light groan and looked at her. No longer was she staring at his face, but at his chest. Her eyes followed the path her hand was taking. At least she appeared more relaxed than she’d been earlier when he first pulled her to his lap.
“Whitney,” he sighed, making her gaze jump up and meet his. “Kiss me.”
Her breath caught in her throat and her lips parted. Passion lit her eyes, making them greener.
She licked her lips. “If I kiss you, will you let this matter drop?”
“It’ll depend on the kiss.” His heartbeat kicked up a notch.
He waited for her to make the first move. He prayed she’d have the courage to go with her feelings this time and listen to her heart.
Slowly, her face moved closer, and just as she neared his mouth, she closed her eyes. He cupped her head, holding her in place as their lips moved together. At first, she was hesitant in the way she kissed, but he allowed her to take charge. After all, this experiment was to prove to Whitney that she enjoyed kissing him.
The kiss was simple – and almost too sweet. But he didn’t want to push her against her will. But when she started to pull away, disappointment filled him. He met her wondering gaze as she hesitated, shifting her focus between his eyes and his mouth. He stroked her silky hair, silently encouraging her to continue.
“Zack,” she whispered, “I’m not as experienced at this as you are.”
“You’re doing just fine.” He offered her a smile as he silently pleaded with her to continue.
Her eyes twinkled, and she lowered her head again. This time when her mouth met his, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her fully against him. She tilted her head and her lips parted. This was all the invitation he needed to take over.
As he deepened the kiss, his heart soared with excitement. She may not be as experienced, but her kisses were making his head swim with pleasure. And when she stroked his beard, he nearly lost his breath. Instead, he groaned passionately.
“Now, now, you two.” A female voice broke the silence in the room. “You’re starting to fog up the windows in here.”
Whitney jerked away. Zack panicked, not wanting her to feel ashamed of their kiss, so he quickly cupped her face which made her look at him again. He smiled, pulled her face back to his mouth for a brief kiss before finally ending it. This time when she met his gaze, she smiled and sighed.
