Hungering for me.
Controlling me.
The thought was far too enticing to ignore.
Only I wasn’t certain if I was hoping this was more than just a casual fling or fearful that it would be.
I’d seen plenty of romantic comedies where the director panned in on the bickering couple the very moment they realized they couldn’t live without each other. It didn’t matter where they were or how busy the activity surrounding them, they only had eyes for each other. The well-crafted movies had the sound and crowded scenery fade into a beautiful halo of either muted colors or gold surrounding the couple.
Then the cameraperson would pan around them in a full three-hundred-sixty-degree scene several times, highlighting every nuance, every facial expression.
That’s the way standing in a crowded bar with him felt. But he wasn’t destined to be my soulmate or even my lover. Definitely not my boyfriend. Any possibility for that would require a move on one of our parts. And I knew with certainly his love for the smokejumping team would prevent him from even discussing the possibility.
But a girl could enjoy a sinful adventure, however short-lived.
However passionate.
Axe was entirely different tonight. I’d sensed that whatever he’d gone through on that mountain in the fire had either put the fear of God into him or had presented an opportunity.
A reminder to never miss out on life’s greatest indulgences. The touch of his hand was different. The look in his eyes. Even every breath he took seemed deeper, more appreciative.
And the way he was looking at me, studying me, hungering for me had easily driven me into a tailspin. His chest rose and fell as his eyes swept over me, his lips pursed. The way he towered over me was another incredible reminder he was all male, handsome and sculpted, capable of doing whatever he wanted to do.
With me.
To me.
The thought was riveting, keeping my pulse high and the deep throb between my legs electrified.
I’d been as close to panicking as I’d been in a very long time thinking that something had happened to him. Now, seeing his heated, predatory expression, breathing was difficult, my thoughts drifting away from what we were doing.
“Does that mean you hunger for control?” I asked, knowing the answer.
“Always.”
“Control could be considered highly overrated.”
His laugh sent a shower of tingles through every muscle. “In my mind, that’s dependent on whether there’s a good chance you’ll lose it. Or in your case, if you’re comfortable and trusting enough to give it away.”
The way his hand slipped across my waist as he pulled me closer created an almost desperate sense of need for him. I was cognizant we were being watched by a solid number of people in the bar. I’d never minded being the center of attention before, but in this case, our privacy as well as our secret affair was on full display. I wasn’t entirely certain how I felt about that.
He obviously was quite comfortable in his own skin and in the moment. Why did I know that? From the way he was looking at me, his nostrils flared and his hold as possessive as everything else.
He was right about my panties, except instead of being damp they were soaking wet. My nipples were also at the painful stage, every slight shift in movement providing an even greater taste of discomfort. I was surprised he was playing this game, as if we didn’t know each other whatsoever.
I guess in a way we didn’t. I’d been the childish brat followed by the annoying girl who’d crushed on him.
Something about his movements also told me he was not only testing my resolve, but also whether or not he was right in assuming I’d prefer to allow a man control.
Up until now, I’d never truly considered the option. I was the woman who took charge in every situation as was a requirement of my profession. I could never allow anyone to see any type of weakness, not even for a split second. And why? Because I’d placed myself in a man’s world where women continued to fight their way to the top of the food chain.
Nothing flustered me.
Or at least it hadn’t until this man had found his way back into my life.
Feeling the very possessive touch of his hand, I swallowed the tiny lumps continually forming. I was also surprised at how lightheaded the subtle yet controlling way he’d decided to handle our interaction made me.
Leaving me breathless and excited for the adventure he’d talked about.
