Page 52 of Sweet Passions at Bayside
“Obviouslyyouthink it’s okay, since you came on this date naked under that skirt.” He ground out a curse.
She wrinkled her nose. “Sorry?”
He tugged her against him again. “You are a little temptress.” He put his hand on her rear, leaving the skirt between them, and squeezed. “I ought to back you up against that tree and tillyourgarden.” He had no idea how he’d get through another minute, much less the evening, with this new information taunting him.
She feigned a gasp. “Mr. Masters, that is totally inappropriate. I’m not that type of girl.”
“Just what type of girl are you?” It was a loaded question, one he knew the answer to. Emery was a street-savvy, smart, sexy woman who owned her sexuality, and he loved that about her.
She slithered out of his arms again and took his hand. “The kind that is going to enjoy being wined and dined by her man so she can fulfill all his fantasies after she puts these pretty new boots to use.”
OVER THE PAST few days, Dean had been more thoughtful and made Emery laugh more than any guy she’d ever gone out with. But tonight? This romantic dinner of shrimp cocktail, lobster cakes, and salad? These adorable boots and oh so veryDeansocks? And most exciting, the thought that he wanted her to help him with the patio? The idea of creating something beautiful and lasting together was more than she could have hoped for. Even if they didn’t getdirtylater, the night was already the best date she’d ever been on.
They laughed about using one plate, which they did, and fed each other like those sickeningly romantic couples she’d seen in movies. Only none of it felt sickening or over the top. They were falling into their relationship just as naturally as they’d fallen into their friendship.
After they finished eating, Dean leaned in, kissing her slowly and sensually. He put his hand on her thigh, inching it up to the edge of her skirt. He’d made advances throughout dinner, and Emery was having trouble remembering why she should fend them off. But for the first time in her life, she wantedmoretime with a man. She wanted all of tonight—the romantic dinner, working side by side, and much later, after they’d squeezed every bit they could out of the evening, she wanted therestof him.
“I’m so glad you’re not hundreds of miles away anymore.”
“Me too. I still can’t believe we’retogether.” She removed his hand from her leg and said with a prim and proper air she had no business conveying, “Mr. Masters, please keep your hands to yourself.” She wasn’t just denying him; she was denying herself the pleasures she knew he would bring. And she was surprised to find her arousal heightening with each refusal.
“My hands have a mind all their own, but I’ll try to distract them. How are you making out here without your family?” He lowered his mouth to her neck, placing several tender kisses along her shoulder.
She tried to concentrate on his question and not the heat rising between them. “I think wemade outpretty well this morning. I’m not sure why you would want my family involved.”
He drew back and smirked. “You are one dirty-minded girl.”
“No, I’myourdirty-minded girl,” she said, feeling a little high from the wine—and from the sexy banter. “Words matter, Mr. Masters. When enjoying a romantic dinner, a girl likes to feel as though she’s theonlywoman on her man’s mind, not that she could be any female on the planet.”
“There’s no one else on the planet I’d rather be with than you.” He tucked her hair behind her ear and said, “Now, tell me, Emery. How are you holding up hundreds of miles away from your family?”
She was momentarily caught off guard by his question. With all the heat swirling around them, he was wondering if she was homesick? She wasn’t used to anyone other than her family caring enough about her to think about that type of thing. “I’m good. I haven’t had time to miss them yet.”
He studied her face for a minute, as if he were weighing her answer. “One of your concerns before moving here was missing your family. I just wanted to be sure you were okay.”
He pushed to his feet and brought her up with him. “Are you ready to get down and dirty?” He waggled his brows.
“Okay, Casanova. Show me how to lay this flagstone.”
“I’ll show you how to lay something, but it’s not going to be flagstone.” He tugged her against him and kissed her deeply. Smiling against her lips, he said, “I told you we could be friends and more.”
“Let’s get this patio done so we can get to themorepart.”
Chuckling, Dean stepped back and turned away to adjust himself. “I’m ready for themorepart now.”
“No way. You promised I could help you with the patio, and I think my example outing should include a man who keeps his promises.” She came up behind him and hugged him, running her hands up his chest, then down his abs, and lower.
When he spun around, she dashed away. He caught her by the waist and she giggled and wiggled as he carried her to the garden. He turned her in his arms and took her in a deliciously hot kiss.
He clutched her bottom, and she inhaled a sharp breath.
“You’re a tease,” he said against her lips, with a smile that made her want to tease him even more.
“I’myourtease. Mind your words, Mr. Masters.” She didn’t know what had gotten into her, exclaiming so openly that she washisas she pressed herself against him, but she was going with it. For once, she felt like she could be her real, true self without holding back, and it feltamazing. “What’s wrong, big guy? Can’t handle the heat? Am I too much for you?”
“Never,” he said through gritted teeth.
She loved seeing him barely able to restrain himself. She wanted him so crazy with desire, by the time they went to his cottage hecouldn’tcontrol himself. The thought of experiencing all of the raw passion she saw simmering in his eyes, felt in his every touch, made every advance more difficult to deny than the last.
