Jake takes a final look at me before getting out of his truck and coming around to open my door. He graciously takes my hand to help me down, and a zing of heat travels from my fingertips to my toes. His grip tightens on my hand, and his eyes darken.
He lets go of my hand, exhaling deeply. “I guess it’s good night, then.” He runs a hand through his perfectly styled sandy-blond hair and looks at the night sky. “I’ll see you in the morning, Kate.” He leans forward, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. My body tingles at the brief connection as my heart starts to race.
It’s now or never.
Without a word, I tilt my head and press my lips gently to his.
He startles, then lets out a relieved, “Thank God.”
The kiss starts off tender, both of us holding our breaths, unsure whether it’s really happening or if it’s a fever dream. The lingering chill from the early spring air dissipates as the heat between our bodies ignites. Even the cold metal of his truck against my back doesn’t stand a chance against the fire building inside me. The one I’m igniting by making this jump. Giving us a real chance. Letting him into my heart, trusting he won’t break it.
I part my mouth slightly, nipping at his bottom lip and letting out a soft whimper. His eyes flare as something inside him snaps. Instinctively, he tugs me closer until I’m flush against his chest and can feel his heart racing. Just like mine. One hand moves to cup the side of my face and the other buries itself in the soft curls of my hair. His tongue strokes inside my mouth, deepening the kiss and setting every inch of me ablaze. True sensory overload.
This kiss is unlike any other.
Sensual.
Electric.
Claiming.
Jake groans. “Fuck, Kate,” he pants, his forehead pressed to mine. “I’ve been dying to kiss you from the moment I saw you in that dress. I want nothing more than to kiss every inch of your skin. Take you into the house and claim you with my lips,” he whispers. Then something changes, tensing the muscles in his body, and he increases the space between us. “But I promised I wouldn’t kiss you until you were ready to become more than friends. I don’t want one night with you. I want to earn a lifetime.”
I can barely catch my breath. My cheeks are flushed as I bite my lower lip, staring at him with unbridled desire in my eyes. How can he not see how much I want this? Wanthim. It’s been excruciating to take it slow because I let myself care too muchabout what other people might think rather than listen to my heart. Trust my judgment. Believe in him and the future he sees for us. That all stops tonight.
He’s my future.
My heart.
The other half of my soul.
And I’m done waiting.
“Ask me,” I whisper, taking a step toward him and eliminating the distance he created between us. I lick my lips slowly, and his eyes follow the movement of my tongue. His gaze emboldens me to take what I want. “Ask me to come inside, Jake.”
“What does this mean, Kate?” He clenches his fists at his side, his eyes searching for the answer in mine. Wanting to know if I’m finally ready to give him the answer he’s spent weeks patiently waiting for.
“I’m yours, Jake. I have been since the moment you kissed me at the lake.”
“Fucking finally!” he exclaims, crashing his lips to mine for a few seconds before grabbing my hand and leading me inside his house.
As soon as the front door shuts, his eyes are on me and full of lust. He angles his body toward me, gently cupping my chin, and peering deep into my eyes as if I’m a precious jewel he finally gets to touch.
My entire body hums with anticipation. I let out a breath, then press my lips to his. Our tongues tangle together in a symphony of passion like we’ve been doing this for years. Like we were meant to do this.
I whimper into him, and it spurs him on. He threads one of his hands through my hair and curls the other around my waist, gently walking me backward until my knees hit the couch.
Slowly, he leans me down until I’m on my back on his couch. He takes a moment to remove his suit jacket and my heels before joining me. His body caged over mine, nudging my thighs open to allow one of his legs to settle between them. The heat intensifies with the closeness of his body, and he’s barely touching me.
Jake rests his forehead against mine. “Hi,” he murmurs.
“Hi. You stopped kissing me.”
“I wanted to give you a minute,” he replies softly. “To make sure this is what you want.”
My heart soars at his words, knowing he’d stop in an instant if I changed my mind. I need him to know I want him as much as he wants me. How all I can think about is having his lips on my skin. His calloused hands caressing my body. “I want this. I wantyou,” I say confidently.
He sucks in a breath and stares at me for a second, almost like he’s shocked this is happening and waiting to check I’m not going to change my mind.
