Page 56 of Her Intense Protector

I love your smile.

“The food seems to be perking you up,” he noted.

“Yeah, but it’s temporary. I’m exhausted. Saturday and Sunday did me in.”

He reached over and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry I came down so hard on you about Saturday night, but all of that scared the hell out of me.”

She gave him a curious glance. “That’s what my family always used to say. But this is the first time there were really big consequences. Normally, things turn out just fine.” She frowned. “But I’m sorry I scared you, and Eden and Asher.”

“But if I want to be truly honest, I have to say what you accomplished was pretty amazing. And I learned a very important lesson.”

“What’s that?”

“I don’t think I ever want to play poker with you.”

Her laughter shot through him like the sun on a rainy day.

“I got really lucky on a couple of those hands.”

“I’ll tell you a secret, Miss Brooks.” He leaned forward so that their noses were almost touching.

“What?”

“That’s why it’s known as gambling.”

Again, with that laugh.

“Oh my God, Ezio. I was thinking that same thing when I went all-in on one of those hands. That’s great that you just said that.” Her eyes were an iridescent blue as they shone up at him. God, what was he thinking? He wanted her in his bed, so badly.

He noticed her wine glass was almost empty. “Do you want more?” he asked as he tilted his head toward her glass.

“No, I better not. If I do, then I’ll never be able to call into work in the morning.” She put aside her plate and his, then scooted next to him. “And I surely wouldn’t have the energy to finish what we started earlier today.”

She wound her hand to the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers. Surely, one kiss wouldn’t hurt?

Her eyelids fluttered shut before his lips touched hers and that’s when he saw the dark shadows under her eyes again. Yes, one kiss would hurt. She didn’t need his passion tonight, she needed his care.

He brushed his lips ever so lightly against hers. Softly. Tenderly.

She opened her lips in a hesitant response that he found achingly lovely. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her again, then he kissed her forehead, and on top of each closed eyelid.

“Samantha?”

“Hmmm?” she didn’t open her eyes.

“Honey, it’s time to get you into your bed.”

“Don’t you mean your bed?” This time she did open her eyes. He didn’t see any hurt feelings, just curiosity.

“No, sweetheart, your bed. But I desperately want you in mine. You have to know that.”

Then the cheeky woman looked down at his lap and saw the very clear erection in his jeans and her eyes met his and she grinned. “Okay, you want me. I’ll let you in on a secret, I want you too.”

Then she sighed.

Then he sighed.

“But let me guess—we’re waiting. Right?” she asked.