Page 29 of Stray Cat

Xav obliged with a chardonnay he’d been saving for a special occasion. Lindsay coming over definitely counted as a special occasion.

He chose a red for himself, and they clinked glasses before drinking.

These uncomfortable silences between them were new. Xav had always been able to flirt and laugh with Lindsay without inhibition, but tonight he was tongue-tied.

He realized with a jolt that he’d been voluble so they’d never have to speak about anything serious. In these past few days, things had grown more serious than he could handle.

They drank more wine, both leaning against the kitchen counter. Not the most romantic spot, but neither seemed to want to move.

Xav cleared his throat. “Should we take this slow?”

Lindsay smiled, and his heart turned inside out. “No.”

Xav set aside his wine and went to her. Lindsay clicked her wine glass down next to his and wrapped her arms around him.

Their first kiss was unhurried, in spite of Lindsay’s words, as though they were getting acquainted. Xav slid fingers through her golden hair, which was gloriously thick and soft, letting it spill over his hands.

She tasted of the cool wine and a spice that was all her own. Xav pulled her closer, his body thrumming at the touch of hers against it. Lindsay was all sexy curves, but she had strength that no other woman in his experience possessed.

The shyness they’d both retreated into in the car began to drop away. Lindsay held on tighter, her kiss turning frenzied.

To hell with it. Xav wanted her, she wanted him, and there was only one reason they’d come to this house. It wasn’t as though they hadn’t played before, even if Lindsay had backed off wanting to complete things.

Xav slid his hands beneath the light sweatshirt she’d donned for tonight’s adventure. Her skin was hot beneath it, the scalding temperature only a Shifter’s body could reach.

Lindsay helped him skim the shirt off over her head, and she dropped it to the countertop. Xav lifted her there, stepping between her thighs to continue to kiss her.

Her bra came off next, Xav having in the past learned the intricate hooks of her lingerie. Lindsay was an athletic woman when she needed to be, but she also liked tiny bits of satin next to her skin. Xav didn’t mind at all.

Lindsay held onto him as she kissed him, her earlier hesitance vanishing. Xav caressed her bare skin, bringing his hands up to cup her full breasts.

There was nothing small about Lindsay. She was a wonderful handful, and she was even better in his mouth.

Lindsay groaned as Xav savored her, tracing her velvety nipple with his tongue, suckling her softly. She cradled his head in her hands, furrowing his hair.

“Xav.” Her hoarse whisper made Xav—reluctantly—release her. He licked her nipple one last time then raised his head.

“You okay, Linds?”

Lindsay rubbed the base of his neck. “I need …” She went silent, desperation in her eyes.

Xav’s breath came faster. “I know. I need it too.”

“Good.”

Lindsay launched herself at him. Xav caught her in his arms, right where he wanted her to be.

They savored each other, hands roving, mouths seeking. Xav heard his sweatshirt tear, and then pieces of it fell to the floor. He wore a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath, layers for warmth. That too, became shreds.

Lindsay slanted a smile at him, the claws she’d sprouted receding.

Xav didn’t mind her bare breasts against his equally bare chest, their heartbeats speeding together. He kissed her mouth, chin, throat, then moved to her shoulder, which he nipped. He felt her teeth along his neck and laughed when she suckled.

The next thing he knew, his belt was open, his jeans unzipped, the fabric sagging down his thighs.

Two could play at that game. Xav popped open the button of the pants Lindsay had donned for the quest, and she wriggled herself free of them.

If they didn’t get to the bedroom soon, they were going to do this standing up in the kitchen. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing, the dim part of Xav’s mind reflected.

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