Page 106 of Love Is an Art
Tessa
Hepullsmeinclose as he leans against the brick side wall of his kitchen. I fall into him, one hand against the wall above his shoulder, the other on his chest. The brick wall feels uneven, hard, and gritty. He trails kisses down my neck as I close my eyes, tilting to allow him access. I shiver.
I’m scared by the depth of my feelings. He was able to turn his back on us before.Am I making a mistake?
He looks at me like he likes me.
He cradles my face tenderly, gazing at me with such intensity and care.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his warm, blue eyes looking concerned into mine.
“Better than okay.” I run my hand along his jaw, a little scratchy with his five-o’clock shadow, and then into his silky hair. He watches me.
“Why? What is making you give us a second chance?” I ask.
“Because I can’t get over you. I like you. And I don’t want to get over you. I know I have these trust issues from Paisley cheating on me, but I can do better. I trust you.” He kisses me firmly on the lips. “Tell me what you want.”
I want more. I press against his lean, firm body as I give myself into his kiss, reaching my arms around to hold him. His warm hand is against my neck and my face, caressing me. He slants his mouth, nipping at my lips. He tastes of wine and chocolate. My hand grips his flexed bicep, and he pulls me closer against his hard chest. There’s a smallmmm, and I realize that’s me. I pull his shirt out of his jeans so I can rub his back muscles. He chuckles, this deep, hoarse laugh against my mouth. His lips brush firmly against mine as we take our time exploring. I lose myself in him, as everything narrows to the two of us together.
When we finally take a moment to breathe, my eyes flutter open to find his, dark and intent, gazing into mine.
“I really like you,” I say. “I usually try hard to hold some piece of my heart back, but I don’t want to here.” But I should guard my heart a bit. I can’t fall completely until I know for sure. But usually, it’s not this difficult.
“I tried very hard to forget you and move on, but I couldn’t,” he says, his voice deep, as he holds me tight against him.
“Even though I’m a workaholic lawyer?”
“Especially because you’re a workaholic lawyer.” He rubs my back. “But more—because you’re you.”
“I was right.” I grin wickedly at him.
“And now I’m yours.” The muscles of his chest strain against the blue button-down. His pupils are dilated, and his eyes are hungry.
“Can I unbutton your shirt?” I ask.
He nods, his gaze not leaving mine.
I slip open the top button. I have to use both my hands. And then another and another.
“You’re too far away,” he says, sweeping his arms down and clasping me to him. He kisses me again, hungrily, and I kiss him back. With one hand, he unbuttons his shirt. “I want to feel you against me.” He removes his shirt and throws it to one side. I pull off my shirt—only my black, lacy bra between us now. He takes a deep breath as he gazes at me. Goose bumps. I kiss him again as he massages my back. Shivers of desire cascade through my body.
“Should we go to my bedroom?” His voice is low and gravelly and is definitely doing things to my stomach.
“Lead the way.”
Holding my hand, he pulls me out of the kitchen. But then we stop and kiss again, his body against the wall. He lifts me up so my legs are around his waist.
And then we’re in his room, and he kisses me again, pulling me tight against him. He pulls back and cups my face with his hands.
“You’re so beautiful.” His hand caresses my collarbone, tracing, teasing, igniting a trail of fiery embers. And he grins at me like he knows exactly what he’s doing. His blue eyes are completely focused on me. I step back. Two can play at this game. He pulls me back toward him and kisses me again, harder, with desire.
The next morning, Brit’s wet nose wakes me up. She barks, wagging her tail vigorously.
“I have to walk her.” Zeke sits up, and the sheets slide down, revealing his muscular chest. He kisses me quickly on the lips. “You stay here. I’ll be right back.”
I stretch out and smile. The sun peeks through his shades. Last night was amazing. I’m so happy we’re back together. He was so focused on making sure that I was enjoying myself, and the fact that I was clearly turned him on as well. Bubbles of happiness rise in my chest, and I hold the sheets up to my chin, clamping down on my desire to squeal with delight.I like him so much.I jump out to go to the bathroom. I have a chance to freshen up before he gets back.
In what seems like seconds, I hear Brit barking. I jump back into the bed and snuggle under the covers. Zeke comes in and joins me in the bed, pulling me against him. I smell peppermint. He’s also brushed his teeth. He nuzzles my neck, and I kiss him back.
