Gia unfurled herself and climbed onto her knees. Jake opened his arms as she launched herself at him, squeezing him hard as her body trembled. Her tears soaked his shirt, but he didn’t mind. If he could take all of her pain, Jake would do so in a heartbeat.
He imagined how terrifying it must have been to relive what had chased her back home. Jake doubted she’d been this open to anyone else before now about what had happened to her.
Jake held her long after her trembling stopped. Her face stayed buried in his neck when her tears dried up, content to be breathing him in.
She pressed a soft hand against his shoulder as she pushed herself back, their eyes leveled as understanding passed between them. If she had expected harsh judgment from him, she didn’t find it. His hand cradled her jaw in a soft grip, showing her with his touch he would never hurt her.
“Jake… can I ask you something?” Gia asked.
“Anything,” he said without hesitation.
“It’s just that… if we do this…” She waved a hand in the space between their bodies. “Can I…”
Her chest heaved as she exhaled loudly, avoiding his eyes.
“Can you what, Kitten?”
Jake watched as she curled her lips inward, pondering what she wanted to say. Finally, having reached a decision, she met his gaze with a determined look.
“I want to… I need to be on top,” she stammered. “At least the first time.”
Have I died and gone to heaven?
Jake knew it was more than a preference in sexual positions. It was about control and safety for her.
His chin tipped down in a curt nod. “Done.”
“That’s it?” She tilted her head to the side to look at him, as if it would give her better clarity.
“If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” Leaning in close, he used his fingertips to curl a strand of hair behind her ear. He resisted the urge to rub the soft strands. “You can have your way with me, Gia.” He smirked.
The grin she flashed nearly killed him.
His heart skipped a beat. He knew he would move heaven and earth to make sure she always smiled at him like that.
With a gentle push, Jake moved to get off her. She sat up in bed, glancing around the room as if she were looking for something. Her eyes caught on the closet door.
He backed up, giving her space as she got to her feet. She didn’t say a word as he watched her approach his closet, only it wasn’t what was inside the closet that was holding her attention. It was the tie rack hanging on the door. Her hand came up to touch each tie, rubbing it between her fingertips.
The way she looked at each one heightened his arousal. An undeniable tension hung in the air. He could never wear a tie again without thinking of Gia stroking it.
She stood on tiptoes, reaching for the red ties at the top he rarely ever wore. Jake had a feeling he would never look at them the same way after she was done with him.
She spun on her heel, ties dangling from her fists, and the mischievous smile on her face had his throat running dry. She looked him up and down, lips pursing to form a small pout.
“Shirt off,” she commanded. He gulped, helpless to obey as he reached an arm over his back, gripping the soft cotton between his fingers and yanking it over his head. Tossing the shirt to the side, he waited for her instructions. His stomach clenched, skin pebbling as she raked her hungry eyes down his naked chest. He held his breath as her pink tongue slipped between her rosy lips.
“Sit.” Her hushed voice left no room for argument. Jake plopped down, nearly falling over himself in anticipation.
He hadn’t seen this side of Gia in way too long.
There she is, he thought as each step brought her closer to him. While he was used to being the one in control, especially in the bedroom, tonight was not about him.
Her beauty was undeniable, but the determination to beat her demons intoxicated him. As she sashayed across the room, pink toenails flashing against the plush rug, her steps reverberated with confidence.
She stepped in between his splayed legs. They were nearly eye to eye in this position. His hands itched to touch her, to cradle her shapely hips, and to reassure himself she wasn’t a fantasy—she was really here in his bedroom, about to make all of his wildest dreams come true.
With his tie in one hand, she braced her other hand on his shoulder and leaned forward. Her cheek gently grazed his, making his breath hitch in his chest. When her heated breath blew gently against his ear, his skin erupted in goosebumps.
