He winked at me with a grin, tapping the black ink on his left forearm. “Only thing up there are tattoos, sunshine.”
We kept bantering as we paid and headed back outside. When he put our stuff in the saddle bag and we climbed on the bike, the emotional pull between us felt even stronger. And the physical one had deepened, too.
We rode a little farther down the coast before Canyon turned onto a private driveway that led to a beautiful house right on the beach. When we parked and I climbed off the bike, I took in the place with quiet awe.
The house had dark wood beams and huge windows that faced the ocean, promising incredible views during the day. When we got inside, I noticed that the place was clearly lived in, but there was also a sense that he didn’t spend much time here. It felt like him, but it was completely clean, and there weren’t that many personal touches scattered around.
I set the drinks down on the kitchen island and continued looking around while he put a few things away. “This your house?”
He nodded, leaning against the counter. “Yeah. I spend most nights at the clubhouse, but this is technically where I live. I just haven’t had much reason to actually be here. Not until you.”
I glanced around again, imagining what it would feel like to belong here with him. To wake up in this house, make coffee in this kitchen, and watch the ocean with him. The thought made those butterflies swirl again because it was so easy to picture even though it was definitely too soon to be thinking like that. But with Canyon, everything seemed to move at warp speed.
As we made dinner, the tension between us kept building. Every time our hands brushed while reaching for something or I caught him watching me, the air felt a little thicker.
When the steaks were done, we sat at a table on the deck overlooking the water. Even while we enjoyed our meal, the pull between us grew stronger. Canyon’s gaze stayed on me almost constantly, and I felt a restless kind of energy building beneath my skin.
After we finished eating, I wandered barefoot into the kitchen while Canyon started cleaning up. I picked at the container of strawberries he’d grabbed, stealing a few sweet bites as I listened to the quiet rhythm of the ocean waves drifting in through the open windows.
A drop of juice dripped down my chin, and Canyon shoved the dishes in the sink to stride over to me.
“Done holding back,” he growled as his hand slid around my waist so he could turn me to face him. Then his mouth was on mine in a kiss so intense it stole the air from my lungs.
He backed me against the counter, his strong body pressing into mine. I melted into him completely, kissing him back just as desperately. My arms wrapped around his neck, and my fingers threaded through his dark hair as I gave myself over to the heat between us.
I had never been kissed like this. Every possessive pull of his hands told me I was his. And I wanted nothing more than to be exactly that.
Canyon pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. His breathing was rough, his bright blue eyes dark with need. “I should tell you this is your last chance to back out, but I don’t think I have the strength to let you go, sunshine.”
I looked up at him, a playful smile tugging at my lips despite how badly I wanted him. “Then don’t.”
That was all it took for the fire to ignite between us. Canyon lifted me, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me toward the bedroom, our mouths fused. He kicked the door open and lowered me onto his bed, following me down with an intense focus that made me feel like the only woman in the world.
“Want you so damn much.”
I twined my arms around his neck. “Yeah, because you made us wait.”
His gaze drifted over me, his blue eyes darkening with need. “You’re fucking worth it.”
He claimed my mouth in another deep kiss, only lifting his head when I tugged at the hem of his shirt. He stripped it off, and my breath caught at the sight of him. His chest was broad and muscular, with a tattoo of a speedometer, tire, and other motorcycle stuff on his right pec.
I traced my fingers over the black ink, and he pressed my palm flat. “Like it?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Good.” He brushed his lips over mine again. “’Cause I want your sunshine inked on me too.”
“Canyon,” I whispered, awed by his words as even more heat rushed through my entire body.
“I know, baby. I’ve got you.”
He took his time undressing me, his hands gentle as he peeled away every piece of clothing. When I was completely bare beneath him, he sat back on his heels and stared. “Fucking hell, Aubrey. You’re perfect.”
“So are you.”
Masculine satisfaction flared in his eyes, then he settled between my legs, his broad shoulders holding me open. “And I bet you taste even better than you look.”
The first slow lick of his tongue against my center made me gasp and arch off the mattress. Canyon groaned like I was the best thing he’d ever tasted and took his time, licking and sucking until I was trembling and whimpering beneath him. Every stroke of his tongue made me feel like I was about to fly apart.
