Page 21 of Loving Josy
“Really?” The unexpected compliment catches me off guard.
His brows knit, as if confused by my reaction. “Yeah. You’ve always been beautiful, Josy. I guess I should’ve said it sooner.”
I don’t know how to respond to that, so I push the conversation back to safer ground. “How’s the progress?”
He doesn’t press, his easy smile returning. “Ahead of schedule. Come on, I’ll show you.”
We walk through the shop, and I take in the transformation. The kitchen is nearly complete, the walls freshly painted, and I can finally see my vision coming to life. Noah’s done an incredible job, as always.
“Thanks,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended.
He shrugs, his smirk teasing but his eyes holding something deeper. “Anytime, Josy.”
I step back, needing distance before my traitorous body gives me away completely. “I’ll let you get back to work,” I say, retreating toward the door.
He leans against the counter, his gaze following me. “Feel free to drop by anytime.”
I glance back, trying to summon some semblance of composure. “I might,” I manage before turning and walking out, my pulse hammering in my ears.
But just as I turn, my foot catches on an extension cord. It all happens in slow motion. I’m about to faceplant on the dirty floor and I brace myself with my hands, ready for impact, but it never comes. Instead, I feel strong hands grab me by the waist and yank me back upright.
“Shit,” I yelp, startled by Noah’s quick reflexes.
Now, I’m standing straight with my back pressed firmly against Noah’s chest. His warmth envelops me, and I’m certain I feel him lean down, his face close to my neck as if he’s smelling me. I freeze, unsure of what to do. If I move, he’ll let me go but I don’t want him to. I want to stay right here, wrapped in his strong arms.
My breath quickens as I feel his warm breath against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. Slowly, Noah nuzzles his nose against the curve my neck, and I instinctively tilt my head to the side, giving him more access. I don’t know what’s happening, but I can’t move. I don’t want to move. I like this too much, and I don’t want to ruin it with words.
My heart races, pounding so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. Noah’s hands tighten around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. Suddenly, his right hand leaves my body, and I instantly miss the contact. But before I can lament the loss, he gently brushes my curls away from my neck. The next thing I feel is his tongue, hot and wet, trailing slowly along the curve of my neck.
A rush of heat pools between my legs, and I feel an undeniable wave of desire crash over me. Noah’s mouth moves up to my ear where he nips at my earlobe, and I can’t help but let out a low, involuntary moan at the sensation.
The world around us fades away, leaving just the two of us in this charged, breathless moment. I’m acutely aware of the hardlength of him pressed against my back, sending a thrill of heat through my body. Feeling brave, I turn my head slightly to the right, needing to see his eyes. Our breathing is erratic and when my gaze meets his brown eyes, I’m completely lost in them. There’s a raw intensity there, something I’ve never seen before, and it stirs something deep within me.
Noah leans down slowly, never breaking eye contact. Our breaths mingle, and the anticipation is almost too much to bear. I can’t help it, I close the distance between us, and our lips finally touch.
The kiss is soft at first, his lips warm and plush against mine, and I’m instantly lost to the sensation. Noah turns me around so we are face to face and my eyes flutter shut as I melt into him, savoring the feel of being in Noah’s arms. It’s tender and sweet, a kiss that reaches deep into my soul, filling a void I hadn’t realized was there. After all this time, after all the unspoken words and stolen glances, I’m finally experiencing a kiss with the man that I have never been able to stop thinking about.
Noah’s hand moves to cup my face, his touch gentle as he draws me even closer. The warmth of his palm against my skin sends a shiver down my spine. When his tongue brushes against my bottom lip, asking for permission, I part my lips without hesitation, allowing him in.
What starts as slow and tender quickly turns hard and erotic. The kiss deepens, and I feel an overwhelming rush of passion and need. Our tongues dance together in a heated, intoxicating rhythm that leaves me breathless. Noah’s hands roam my body, pulling me closer, and I respond in kind, my fingers threading through his hair, anchoring myself to him.
The world outside ceases to exist. There’s only Noah, his taste, his scent, the feel of him against me. The kiss grows more desperate, more urgent, and I give in to the hunger that’s been simmering between us for so long.
I’m lost in the sensation, in the way Noah makes me feel. It’s as if every touch, every movement is imprinted on my soul. There’s no going back now, no pretending this doesn’t mean anything. Because this kiss—this moment—it means everything.
Chapter Ten
Noah
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a kiss could feel like this. Her lips are soft but firm, responding to mine with an intensity that matches my own. I groan deep in my throat as her tongue dances with mine, fueling the fire building inside me. Tilting my head, I take the kiss deeper, and Josy melts against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
God, this woman can kiss.
My hands roam everywhere, desperate to touch, to explore every curve of her body. My fingers tangle in her hair, tugging her closer like I can’t get enough of her. I’ve kissed plenty of women, but none of them have ever made me feel like this. This hunger, this raw need coursing through me is new, and it’s all because of her. I can’t get enough.
As my lips trail down her neck, I hear her panting, and it’s like music to my ears. Her head falls back, giving me even more access, and I greedily take it, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin. I turn her around so I can look into her eyes, needing to see her face, to make sure this is real.
“I want you so bad,” I whisper, my voice thick with need. I’m hoping she doesn’t stop this, hoping she feels the same way I do.I’ve waited so damn long to have Josy in my arms, and now that I finally do, I can’t imagine ever letting her go.
