Page 61 of XOXO, Valentina

He was so handsome. His skin shone like bronze, and the tousled waves of his mahogany hair gleamed with honey highlights. The top three buttons of his linen shirt were undone, revealing the strong, tanned column of his throat and a leather necklace. Several days’ worth of dark stubble defined his square jaw, and his brown eyes tilted upward in the corners because he was smiling.

Joey was always smiling. Tiny smirks, full-blown grins, sultry half-smiles. I was smitten by all his smiles.

I stepped toward him even as he was stepping toward me. We met at the edge of the bed.

“Did you see the shower?” he asked, reaching for me.

Goosebumps pebbled along my skin at his touch. “I did.”

He worked the top button of my dress free and spread the fabric open, then dipped his head to kiss my collarbone. His lips were cool against my skin. I shivered despite the heavy humidity.

He took his time undoing each button on the bodice of my sundress. When he reached for the tie around my waist, he paused and spread his hand over my ribs.

“Have I told you look beautiful?” he asked.

My chest ached when he looked at me with such tenderness. “No,” I answered finally. “Not today.”

His lips curved. “That’s embarrassing.” He slid his thumb into the knot at my waist. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. These dresses you wear drive me crazy.” His fingers worried at the knot, tugging it loose to hang at my sides. “You walk down the halls at school in your buttoned-up dresses, looking so perfect all the time.”

I laughed, remembering my embarrassing panty reveal. “Not so perfect all the time.”

Joey winked. “That was one of the best days of the year.”

I looped my hands around his neck and gave in to the temptation to touch his hair. I loved touching his hair, and I wouldn’t have to stop myself from sliding my fingers through it, not once, for the next three days. “Not for me, it wasn’t.”

He pushed my dress off my shoulders and cupped my breast over the lace of my bra. My nipple responded immediately, puckering against the thin fabric. He squeezed, and I inhaled sharply. My head fell back when he pinched my nipple.

“I loved seeing your gorgeous body under that dress so much I almost didn’t say anything.”

“Joey!”

He laughed and rubbed the pad of his thumb across my aching nipple. “But I didn’t want Mike Collins seeing your cute little ass in those hot panties again, so I told you.”

“Mr. Collins doesn’t look at me like that.” I sucked in another breath as he pushed my dress down over my hips. It pooled around my bare feet.

“Every man looks at you like that, baby. Especially me.” He took a step back and let his gaze drop over me in a slow, appreciative sweep.

Kennedy had insisted I refresh my underwear collection, so I was wearing a new set in blush pink. I felt exposed in the skimpy bra and panties. My hand fluttered to my stomach, automatically covering the scar that wasn’t even visible under the pink lace.

“No.” Joey pushed my hand away, trapping my wrist with his long fingers. “Don’t cover yourself.” He let his eyes drop over me, his fiery eyes searing every inch of my flesh. “Beautiful.”

I reached for his shirt. “Why are you still dressed?”

His lips curved. “You want me naked?” He pushed my hand away, then pulled his shirt off in one swift move. Buttons be damned. His shorts were next. He kicked them off, and,oh snap, he wasn’t wearing any underwear. His cock sprang at full attention, already glistening at the tip.

He closed his fist around the base and pumped slowly. “This you want?” he asked, licking his full lower lip.

I nodded again because words were beyond my grasp. My breasts felt full and achy. I rubbed my thighs together, trying to ease the throb between my legs.

He curled his hand around my braid and tugged it back, so my eyes came up toward his.

“Next time, I want you to ask for what you want.” He winked at me. “‘Screw me senseless,’” he said with a little chuckle.

Frustration coiled in my belly. He would never let that one go. “Why aren’t you kissing me?” I demanded.

“My baby wants to be kissed?”

I flattened a hand to his chest, feeling the flex of his supple muscles under my fingers. He gave my braid another solid tug, and I looked into his eyes. Son of a mother ducker! There was so much to admire about Joey. His chest, his abs, his mouth, his eyes… those smoky eyes that never shied away from anything.

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