Page 19 of The Bear's Chosen Mate
“Yeah?”
“I need a little to tide me over.”
She paused in the middle of petting his chest sympathetically.“Need a little what?”
His lips brushed her ear.“You.Perfect, wonderful,deliciousyou.”
8
James kicked his own butt for not figuring out earlier that all her protests were because Kaylee was trying to be noble and completely underestimating herself.
Utter bullshit—her not being perfect for him.
Even the way she snuggled in tight, her hands stroking him as if trying to ease his pain, was exactly what he needed.
Well, he needed a bit more, but he was enough in control that the mating fever was like an intriguing plot line in a favourite TV show.He could see the pivotal moment approaching, but in the meantime, it was fun to figure out exactly how they would get to doing the deed.
The beginning of forever.He didn’t need to rush.
In fact, now that he was in his right mind, he realized he had a few options available to make this moment more than just an acceptance of the animal magnetism between them.
He drifted his fingers forward until he cupped her face.Pressing his lips to hers for a very gentle kiss.“Don’t move.”
It only took a moment to settle her to one side, carefully tugging the blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm.
A soft laugh escaped her lips, teasing his senses.“Gee, I was planning on doing a CrossFit workout.”
James reached for the bag of supplies he’d brought with him, unzipping the front compartment and pulling out a set of flashlights.“If you’re looking for exercise, I’m pretty sure I can get your heart rate going.”
He clicked on the first light, adjusting it to a warm glow.He did the same with the second, then tucked them into the far corners of the elevator.The light reflected off the decorative mirrors and turned the small space into a cozily lit oasis.
James glanced at Kaylee to discover her eyes were wide open, her lips glistening as if she’d just licked them.
Oh, yeah, he could totally do something to get both their hearts pounding.
He reached into the bag and pulled out a bottle of water, passing it over.“Drink.I don’t want you to get dehydrated.”
The heat in her eyes gave way to amusement.“You just said we might be stuck in here for a while.If you give me too much to drink, this is not going to end well.”
Good point, although she really didn’t have anything to worry about.
“Trust me,” he said softly.“Just a couple swallows.”She’d cried out enough moisture that she really had to replace it.
Her shoulders lifted in a gentle shrug, obviously willing to put up with him being a bossy bastard.“Just believe me when I say there are some things I don’t want to share.”
It was his turn to laugh.When she handed the bottle back, he took it in one hand then relaxed against the wall opposite the lights.A second later, he pulled her on his lap so she was straddling him, taking the time to drape the blanket over her shoulders again.
Kaylee stared down, the gentle light revealing her worried expression.“What if I hurt you?”she asked again.
“You never will,” he promised.“Now, considering we’ve been friends forever, maybe the easiest way to switch things up is to do this one step at a time.”
“Go slowly.That makes sense.”She swallowed.Dipped her chin.“Can I touch you?”
Oh, hell yeah.He reached over his head and grabbed his T-shirt, stripping it off and tossing it aside.“Be my guest.”
Since this was supposed to be a slow seduction, he didn’t insist she do the same.Instead, James waited as Kaylee placed her palms against his chest.Such a gentle touch as she began to explore, but every nerve was sensitized and alert.Anticipation built as she scratched her nails lightly, not even aware her breath had hitched a notch.
She stroked again, her eyes widening as a low growl he couldn’t control rumbled up from deep inside.
