Page 43 of High Seduction
“Erin?” The word was a smooth, low rumble that teased her senses and heightened her anticipation. His smile kicked up a notch, the concern fading away.
Her heart didn’t seem to be beating properly, and the air in the room seemed very thin.
“I trust you,” she repeated, shedding the fabric and letting it fall to the floor. The button on her waistband was undone, the zipper lowered slowly. Tim didn’t move until she’d eased the material over her hips. Then he held out a hand and supported her as she stepped away from the pile of clothing left behind.
Naked but for her bra, panties, and socks.
All the stress of the moment vanished as she looked down at the specifics of what she wore, laughter escaping in a somewhat hysterical burst. It was theleast likely to be considered sexyoutfit she’d ever seen. A serviceable bra, plain undies, and a pair of the thickest socks she owned that she’d dragged on this morning before first light. “I picked the best day to decide to do this.”
Tim held her fingers in his and refused to let her go. Instead he moved closer and lifted her chin. His blue eyes danced as he examined her. “And what exactly are you doing?”
Her pulse skipped. “Trusting you.”
His volume dropped even further. A sheer whisper that scratched along her nerve endings and made them tingle. “Not enough. Erin, why are you stripping down like this? Did you want to make love?”
The bastard was going to make her say it. After all the time they’d spent together during the past month, she should have expected he wouldn’t simply take over at the first gesture on her part.
Her breasts rose and fell rapidly with each shaky breath, yet his gaze never fell below her chin as he observed carefully.
Waited for her to respond.
Erin closed her eyes to shut out all distractions. “I want you to take control. I don’t want to be in charge of what we do, and I trust you to make these days special.”
A soft stroke slid over her cheek and chin, then his lips brushed hers. “Open your eyes, kitten.”
She obeyed, lifting her lids to discover him only inches away as he gazed lovingly at her.
He stroked her cheek again. “I agree to one day. We take one day, and then we see where we’re at. What do you think?”
The offer surprised her. “You don’t want...?”
Tim paused. “I want the best for you, Erin. I don’t want you to feel pressured or upset if you change your mind. So let’s take twenty-four hours and see how we feel. We’re adults, we can talk things through. Make right decisions at the right time.”
Unexpected as his suggestion was, something inside her lightened. A fear lifted as if attached to helium balloons, floating off her. “I agree.”
He curled his hand around the back of her neck, his strong thumb stroking the sensitive place where her pulse once again pounded out a rapid rhythm. “Safe word the same as always?”
She nodded.
“Say it.”
Sympathy twisted her smile. “I was trying to save you a cringe.”
Tim eased in and kissed her, his laughter brushing her skin as softly as the contact between their lips. “I’ll survive. Say it.”
“Spider.”
His involuntary shudder wasn’t funny, but it was. Erin cupped his face in her hands and kissed him tenderly.
His hands circled her waist, palms warm on her bare skin as he separated them a few inches. “At least you know I’ll never say it unless we’re in dire straits.”
He looked her over for the longest time as her anticipation rose. When he finally moved, it was to slide a strong hand down the back of her leg until he knelt at her feet.
Blue eyes trapped her, his smile growing by the minute. “Thank you for trusting me, kitten. Now lift your foot.”
Erin rested her hand on his shoulder for balance as Tim carefully removed her woolen socks. “You’re serious?” she teased. “Only a Newfie would have a woman at his command and go for her socks.”
“Living in Newfoundland does not make a soul a Newfie.” Tim stroked her calf as he settled her foot carefully on his thigh. “Besides, ’tis not the Newfie in me, but the Irish. I’m after your dainty dancing feet.”
