"Because I've never had them before. With anyone. Not even Shona, my ex. Everything is different when it comes to you."
"What do you mean?"
"For instance, I've always been able to override my instincts."
She frowned. "That's not possible. Instincts are just instincts."
"The mind is a powerful tool. But when it comes to you, everything is different."
"That bothers you?"
"Not one fucking bit."
I feathered my thumb along her palm, moving farther up to her wrist. She sucked in a deep breath.
"Riley," I said in a low voice.
"Yes?"
"What about having that second drink at home?"
"Thank God. I thought you were never going to suggest it."
This woman! We were in sync, craving to be alone. I didn’t want anything else holding her attention—not the food, or the waiter, or the view. I wanted it on me and me alone.
I’d given them my credit card on arrival, so we left quickly. During the drive, she fiddled with her thumbs in her lap.
"Riley, are you having second thoughts?" I asked cautiously.
"No. Why would you think that?"
I covered her hand with mine. "Because you're nervous."
"Oh no, not at all. I'm just giving my hands something to do so I don't, you know, maul you right here. Talk you into parking somewhere so I can jump your bones."
Now that she'd said it, the idea was forming in my mind. I could pull over somewhere.
No! She deserves better than getting mauled in the back seat.
We arrived at my building a few minutes later. The parking lot was empty; there wasn't much activity at this time of the evening. There was no one in the elevator either. And if I thought it took a lot of willpower not to pull the car into a dark corner, it was nothing compared to the self-control necessary not to kiss her here in the elevator.
The condo was dark when we stepped inside. I didn't even bother to turn on the light, just kissed and kissed her, walking her through the room until we bumped into the wall. This woman had a hold over me that I couldn't explain. It didn'tmatter that I'd started my evening with the best intentions. I'd intended for us to stay out in the city for hours, yet here we were. My need for her was greater than anything else. It overpowered every thought.
"Duncan," she murmured as I kissed down her neck.
Her dress had driven me crazy from the second she'd come out of her room. The way it molded to her body should be illegal. It didn't dip too low, but it pushed her breasts together, and she looked so fucking irresistible in it. I honestly had no idea how I managed to keep myself in check while we were at the restaurant.
But now I didn't have to hold back; I could explore her to my heart's desire. I wanted to get her into bed, fast. I took her hand, stepping away.
"No! Why did you do that?" she asked.
"Because I want you in my bed tonight. I don't want to fuck you against this wall, and it's a real possibility if we don't get moving."
She giggled. "Okay."
I led her down to the master bedroom and closed the door even though it wasn't necessary. It was just the two of us tonight, so she could scream so it carried through the walls. I didn't care if the neighbors heard.
I kissed her again, moving her closer to the bed. I undid her zipper, intending to push down her dress, but it wouldn't budge, so I yanked it over her head instead and threw it next to the bed. She wasn't wearing a bra, and her breasts were so damn exquisite. I touched her nipples, and she tilted her body forward, pressing them into my hand. I lowered myself until I was face-to-face with her chest, then took one nipple into my mouth, twirling my tongue around it. At the same time, I pushed her leg up. She instantly understood what I wanted and put her legon the bed. I nearly lost my self-control when I realized she was already wet. This woman wanted me.