Page 37 of Nashville Lights

But this time there’s no one outside waiting to tell us all the reasons we shouldn’t.

Slowly, he reaches to tuck a strand of my hair behind one ear, calloused fingertips ghosting over my cheek. I don’t mean to sigh softly.

“Rox…” he whispers, my name a fervent prayer on his lips. His eyes are a deep amber, full of all the dark beauty and summertime memories I’ve dreamed about my entire life. His warm palm slides around the nape of my neck, gripping lightly, raising all the tiny hairs on my body. “I don’t care about anyone outside this room or what they think. I only care about what you want.”

“I want you,” I whisper back, remembering the day I said it to him that late summer afternoon.I love you.I always wondered if he felt the same way. From the way he’s looking at me right now, I can see that he did. And he does.

I don’t say it again now but I feel like he can read it inthe wild beat of my heart.I’ve always loved you and always will. And if you don’t take me to bed right now I’m going to get down on my knees and beg.

His eyes barely crinkle at the edges and he’s just so freaking sexy it’s weirdly painful. “I’m going to kiss you now unless you tell me not to, Tuck. Even then I still might.”

“It’s about time, Boone.”

His slow smile does nothing to hide the lust in his whiskey-dark eyes. “We sure have taken our sweet time. We’ve got some lost years to make up for.”

Nate Boone finally—finally—lowers his mouth to mine. The kiss starts soft. Careful. Like he’s almost overwhelmed with relief, maybe, and at the same time giving me the chance to pull away. But my lips part and his tongue slides inside, tasting me.

With a low growl, Nate tugs my hair back and claims my mouth hungrily. All the built up longing practically hums as our lips and tongues tangle.

I melt against him, my knees going weak. The taste and heat of him overwhelms my senses.

He catches me, holding me. He presses his strong thigh between mine and kisses me senseless.

It appears the cool, aloof Nate Boone suddenly has zero chill. And the idea that, after all these years, he might be as crazy for me as I am for him is making me melt with need. I can feel that my bikini is…very wet.

Nate pulls back, his thumb sliding along my jaw. “Roxie Tucker…”

“Don’t you dare say, ‘see you around’ or I’ll throttle you.”

He smiles, but there’s regret in it. “You know I had to leave back then. But tonight, darlin’, wild horses couldn’t drag me away. I’m just going to tell it like it is, because I have no interest in wasting any more time. What I’m going to do right now is to pick up where we left off a long time ago. I’m going to peel off that little bikini and taste every inch of that soft, perfect skin. I’m going to feast on you all night long until you’re crying my name and have forgotten yours. So stop me now if you feel like I’m rushing you.”

“Like hell you’re rushing me, Boone. I waited for you. And I’m done waiting.”

He blinks dark lashes. “What do you mean you waited for me?”

“I’ve…” It’s almost embarrassing to admit. “I’ve never been with anyone else. Since that day.”

His head tilts and his brows barely furrow. It’s a second before he continues, like his brain can’t quite fathom what I’ve just told him. “Ever?”

“I still live with all three of those overlords, remember. It’s a recipe for a whole lot of nothing, as far as romance goes.”

Nate’s chuckle of disbelief is low…and wildly relieved. “You mean to tell me that the most beautiful girl in the world hasn’t been kissed byanyonebesides me?”

If it wasn’t for themost beautiful girlin the worldcomment,his amusement might almost rile me. “It’s not my fault, it’s theirs. And yes. So hurry up already.”

He smiles, blinking at me and dazzling me with mischievous joy at what I’ve just confessed. It’s his playfulness that kills me the most. Stoic Mr. Weight of The World On His Shoulders looks…happy.

And it’s all the invitation he needs.

His hand is still weaved through my hair, holding me in place with dominant possessiveness. “All right then, darlin’. You’re really ready?”

I nod, watching his eyes. Of course I’m ready.

Still, I’m a little nervous.

This is it.

And he’sbig.

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