I wasn’t good at asking for help of any kind, so I didn’t know what to tell him, but I made an attempt. “Already, your simple presence is enough. Like today. But, I also don’t want you sacrificing yourself to do so. So, don’t do that. That won’t help me feel better.”
His attention was rapt, as though eager for guidance.
I let my fingers trail down his abs, which were gorgeous. “You pulled me out of it today. That hasn’t happened before, not that fast. You alone are enough. That’s all I need.” I rolled until I was on top of him, chest against his. His fingers trailed down my sides. A distinct hardness formed between us.
My center ached at the feel of his erection; the sensation captivated me. I tried to play it cool, but I was desperate to feel all of it. How soft would it be, or hard—and just how big?
He must have noticed the wistful smile on my face. “What are you thinking about now?” he asked, fingers massagingtheir way up my back.
“Nothing,” I teased.
He tickled my ribs.
I squealed, attempting escape.
He stopped. “Your laugh is infectious, you know that?” he added. “I knew I’d messed up last night the second you went quiet, and that spark left your beautiful eyes. You were quite the chatterbox until then,” he teased—sarcasm laced his voice. “I thought we’d have to buy duct tape to shut you up.” He held my wrists to prevent me from giving him a playful slap.
“How many times do you leave the house a year?” he asked. “I know you left for the PERL show, and you had no choice about the fire, of course. How long had it been before that?”
I tried to think. “I often go for walks at night.”
He grumbled. “I’m not sure that’s a smart idea.”
I ignored him. I knew he was just being protective. “But other than that, yeah, the show, which my friend drags me to twice a year. I usually group my doctor and dentist on a single day, and Dr. Cat goes with me. But nothing other than that. Not since the failed school experience.”
“Wow.” His eyes were enormous and round. “So this auctionisa big deal. I mean, it’s obvious that it is, but knowing this really puts it in perspective.”
I nodded. The comment should have caused my gut to lurch, but it didn’t. He’d said it in such a way that it didn’t feel like a jab or a reminder of how scary it was.
I settled into him with a long, relaxed sigh. My feeling of control was returning, a tenuous thing the last several days. Looking around, I remembered that all my clothes were in aheap in the bathroom.
“So, is your plan to keep me here by withholding all clothes from me?” I challenged.
He winked. “It’s not the worst plan you’ve come up with.”
“Well...” I let my legs fall to either side of him as I slid down his body, closer to where the hardness between us was located. “I’m not sure I’m ready to get up yet, anyway.” I pouted, showing more of my playful side. “I could use some more coaxing.”
He chuffed and his pupils blew wide at that.
I grinned and pressed my breasts against him. Holding his gaze, I whispered, “Just because I’m quiet, doesn’t mean I’m shy.” I rolled my bare center over his boxers, right where I hoped he wanted it.
He swallowed. “I just—oh God,”he cut off with a moan, voice thick.
I bit my lip and sat up, his eyes sweeping over my breasts and lower. The gentleman he was striving to be was gone. Rolling my hips again, I loved the way he bucked at the contact. His hands pressed down on my thighs, pushing me harder against him.
I kept watching his face as I stopped moving. I slid off and to the side of his torso. He tried to stop me, but I was small enough to slip past him while he was addled.
“I have never—” I began, trailing my hands down his—yes,eight, abs, “—gotten the chance to be this close to the real thing. Do you mind if I—” I paused and slid my fingers below the hem of his boxers, eliciting a shiver as his core tightened.
Having found what I was looking for, I took stock of whatthis new experience offered. Nash was a big guy, though I didn’t have anyone to compare him to. His shaft was hard yet soft, and his skin warm. I slid my hand up his length—as I’d read many a heroine do—finding the tip, which was wet with precum.
His breathing increased, his hand finding my breast as he pinched my nipple. The sudden nip of pain surprised me, but the pleasure of the moment overshadowed it.
I gasped.
Wetness pooled between my legs, and I felt the overwhelming urge to be filled. It was a natural desire I hadn’t expected, as though our bodies knew how to fit together on instinct.
My breathing quickened, and I released my grasp on him, working to remove his boxers as I rose to my knees, letting him watch as I pulled them down his legs and tossed them on the floor.
