Page 84 of Most Likely to Fear Love

“Very.”

As the movie started, I let myself relax. For once, I didn’t overthink it. I just let myself be there, in the moment, with him.

The movie thundered on with its explosions and car chases, but honestly? I barely noticed. I was too caught up in howperfectly I fit against Harle’s side, his arm a warm weight around my shoulders. Who knew snuggling could be this nice? Thirty years old and I’d never really done this before. Pathetic? Maybe. But right now, wrapped in this cocoon of warmth, I couldn’t bring myself to care.

As the movie wore on, my eyelids grew heavier, the action scenes blurring together as I drifted in and out. The next thing I knew, the credits were rolling, and Harle was moving beside me. Before I could protest the loss of warmth, he slipped one arm under my knees and the other behind my back, lifting me like I weighed nothing.

My stomach did a little flip as he stood, but I couldn’t fight the smile spreading across my face. “What do you think you’re doing?” I murmured, not even trying to sound annoyed.

His blue eyes sparkled down at me. “Taking you to bed, darlin’.” Each step was gentle, purposeful, like he was carrying something precious.

Okay, this was amazing. I looped my arms around his neck and let my head fall to his shoulder as he carried me down the hall to his bedroom. Inside, he set me gently down on the bed. “There you go, darlin’.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. But where do you think you’re going?” Before he could move away, I reached up and grabbed a fistful of his shirt, pulling him down to me. The moment our lips met, something shifted in the air between us. His hand came up to cup my face, thumb stroking my cheek while his other arm braced his weight.

I tugged at his shirt, wanting, needing, him closer. He took the hint, settling his weight over me without breaking the kiss. God, the solid warmth of him pressed against me sent electricity dancing across my skin. My hands roamed over his broad shoulders, down his back, feeling the play of muscles beneathmy fingertips. When I slid my hands under his shirt, he got the message and pulled it off one-handed.

Then he was back, his weight pressing me into the mattress in the most delicious way. His fingers traced down my side, leaving trails of fire, even through the thin fabric of my nightgown. When his mouth left mine to press hot kisses along my jaw, down my neck, across my collarbone, I couldn’t help the soft sound that escaped me.

He captured my mouth again, deeper this time, more urgent. His hands found the straps of my nightgown, sliding them down my arms until the fabric pooled at my waist. Another tug and it was gone completely. The heat in his eyes as he looked at me made my breath catch.

“You are taking way too long to get undressed.”

His low chuckle sent shivers down my spine. He moved away just long enough to strip, then returned to kiss me senseless. Before I knew it, he rolled me over so I was straddling his waist, our mouths fused together. I guided his hands to my breasts, arching into his touch as his thumbs grazed my nipples.

A gasp tore from my throat at the sensation. Heat pooled low in my belly as I rocked against him, seeking more. His clever fingers kept working their magic until that spark of pleasure grew into an inferno. My head fell back as a moan escaped my lips.

I needed more. Needed him. My hands slid down his chest, over his tight stomach, following that trail of hair lower. His muscles jumped under my touch, a groan rumbling in his chest as I wrapped my hand around his thick, hard cock. I stroked him, learning what made his breath hitch, what made his hips buck.

When his control was about to snap, he gripped my wrist to still my movements. The tremor that ran through him made mefeel powerful. Dangerous. Then suddenly I was on my back, his body covering mine, and I was the one trembling.

He lined himself up, pushing inside in one slow thrust that had me crying out. The stretch, the fullness, it was almost too much. Almost. But I didn’t want gentle. Not now.

“Harle, please,” I gasped, rocking my hips.

His eyes locked on mine as he started to move, the intensity of his gaze pinning me in place. Nothing existed outside this moment, this connection between us. When he finally kissed me again, it was wild and deep, matching the rhythm of our bodies.

The pleasure built higher and higher until I shattered, waves of ecstasy washing over me again and again. I clung to him as he followed, his breath hot against my neck as he shuddered through his release.

We lay tangled together, catching our breath, until Harle rolled to his side. Before I could even think about moving away, he pulled me close, tucking me against him. I slipped my arm around his waist and snuggled in completely, falling asleep in seconds.

HARLE

Istood at the barbecue on the back deck, stealing glances at Cassidy while I flipped the burgers. The setting sun painted everything in warm gold, including her. She was lounging on the recliner in a pale pink negligee that made my mouth go dry, pretending to read a book. I caught every little peek she sent my way, though she thought she was being subtle.

The sight of her legs, bare and endless, with that negligee riding up just enough to torment me... Christ. Better focus on not burning dinner.

“Hey, Harle?”

“Yeah?” I looked over my shoulder, allowing myself one lingering look. Bad idea. The way she was sprawled on that recliner, all soft curves and mischief in her eyes...

“Why do ducks have feathers?”

The question was so unexpected, I nearly dropped my spatula. “Uh... I don’t know. Why?”

“To cover their butt quacks!”

A snort escaped before I could stop it. “Fuck me, that’s terrible.”

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