Page 41 of Dangerous Secret

Apparently not. But, as she sat in the bubble bath with a glass of wine in her hand, she decided the man did know how to treat a lady. He’d even run the bath for her. And what was he doing while she was rejuvenating in a soothing lavender-scented bath? He was in her kitchen, cooking her dinner. She let out a contented smile. She’d neverbeen pampered like this, and as she leaned her head back against the tub, she thought of the gentle way he’d touched her as he’d wiped away her tears.

It would be so easy to fall for this man, but she couldn’t allow that to happen. A fling was the most there could ever be between them until the day she had her son back, then they would go their separate ways. All she would take with her of this time were her memories of the kindest, smartest and sexist man she’d ever known. He’d already proved that he could kiss… Boy, could he ever. That had to mean that he would be a good lover.

The bathwater was getting chilly, and she pulled the plug. After drying off and slathering lotion on her arms and legs, she slipped on the denim shorts that she’d never wear outside because they were so short and a white tank top. Although she put on panties, she decided on no bra. The top was soft and thin, making it obvious she wasn’t wearing one. Let him think of that what he would. Barefoot, she followed the tantalizing aroma to the kitchen.

“Whatever you’re making smells delicious.” His back was to her as he stirred something on the stove.

He turned and went silent as his gaze traveled over her body, down to her bare toes, then he made a slow perusal back up to her face.

She smiled, feeling both shy and desirable. Now that she was standing in front of him, she wasn’t sure what to do. Should she step close to him? Touch him? Tell him she was sure she did want him?

While she hesitated, he removed the pan from the burner. With his eyes locked on hers, he took the decision out of her hands and closed the distance between them. He placed his warm palms on her cheeks. “I’m going to kiss you. If you don’t want me to, tell me now.”

“I want you to.” He asked for permission, and she loved that about him.

“Thank you.” His mouth slowly lowered to hers.

His lips were soft yet urgent as they met hers, and she surrendered to this thing that was building between them. His hands skimmed down her arms, trailing goose bumps in their wake before they wrapped around her waist, pulling her body close to his. She could feel his heat, and her body responded with a shiver of desire. She parted her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss, and he took full advantage of the invitation, kissing her deeply.

When they finally broke apart, she was breathing hard and standing on weak legs. He held her steady, his gaze never leaving hers. “Tell me what you want.”

That was easy. “You.”

“Okay, then.”

She yelped when he scooped her up. “Wasn’t expecting that,” she said with a chuckle as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Lord, he smelled good.

“I like surprising you. Unless you tell me no, I’m taking you to your bedroom, where I’ll have my wicked way with you.”

“I like the sound of that.”

As he carried her down the hallway, it surprised her that she wasn’t nervous. Although she knew why. It was because of him. She nuzzled his neck, smiling against his skin when he grunted. She’d have to remember that he liked that.

When they reached her bed, he lowered her to the mattress, then sat on the edge and removed his socks and shoes. That was a good start, but she wanted his shirt off. He glanced at her and smiled, making her heart beat faster and her belly flutter.

He put his hand on her ankle. “No regrets in the morning?”

“Not a one.”

“Good.” He trailed his fingers up her leg, stopping at her knee.

She squirmed, wanting his hand to start moving again, and when he knowingly chuckled, she glared at him. That brought a big grin to his face. Why was he torturing her?

“Want something?” he teased.

She shrugged, pretending to be indifferent to his teasing, but his playfulness made her happy. She’d never had fun in the bedroom before, and she liked it. She could play, too. “You told me you had magic hands. Maybe you should prove it.” She lifted her brows in what she hoped was a doubting expression.

“Feisty. I like it.” He moved his hand up her thigh a few inches before stopping again. “I did promise you magic, didn’t I?”

“You sure did, but I’m not sure you can live up to your own hype.”

He laughed. “Hmm, a challenge. I better get busy.”

“Busy would be good.” With his humor and playfulness, he’d made her want him even more than before he brought her to her bedroom.

His hand left her leg, and she wanted to snatch it back…well, until she realized he needed it to remove his T-shirt. Her mouth dried up at the sight of his bare chest. Yes, she’d seen him without a shirt at the beach and had appreciated how cut he was, but he hadn’t been in her bedroom on her bed about to make love to her. Now, staring at his chest and broad shoulders, and knowing what was about to happen, an involuntary sigh escaped. She was going to get to have her hands on that amazing body.

Give me. Give me,she wanted to say as she wiggled her fingers at him.

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