Page 41 of Risk Assessment
He grunted and brought his hand up to cover hers. “Not really.” He held onto her hand as she lowered it. “She can get out of hand if she has too many drinks. I’d forgotten that. I don’t miss those times. It was exhausting.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Her eyes radiated concern.
“Yes.
His heart skipped a beat. Her fresh light scent drifted toward him on a soft breeze, and the press of heat from her body warmed him. Her eyes met his and her lips parted slightly. His body went into overdrive, and without thinking, he leaned forward and claimed her lips. A brief kiss. An exploratory kiss.
He pulled back to make sure it was okay, but she leaned forward and kissed him again. Deeper this time. When she pressed her body to his, he wrapped his arms around her. Awarm and soft kiss, a mix of giving and taking. He was lost the moment he heard her soft sigh.
Raleigh’s heart hammered against her sternum. Could Dylan feel it as he held her against him? The kiss deepened, making her toes curl. She fisted her hands in his hair, pulling him closer still. She moved her tongue over his; gently at first, but soon becoming more demanding. Her breathing was ragged as desire swept over her. His hands slid down her back and gripped her rear end, pulling her against his hips. Heat pooled in her center, and she moaned.
“Um… Excuse me?” a quiet voice said behind them.
Breaking off the kiss, Dylan looked over her head and said, “Yes?”
She attempted to step away, but his arms kept her locked in place. Heat crept up her throat to her cheeks. During the kiss, they’d shifted positions, and now Dylan was facing the doorway to the gazebo. She couldn’t see what was going on. Maybe that was a blessing because the heat wasn’t fading.
“I brought the water the lady requested.”
Dylan looked down at her, but she shook her head. “I didn’t request any water, but I could use it.” Her voice was husky. She turned and recognized Mark, the waiter.
“Did you see who requested it?” Dylan asked, frowning.
Mark looked startled. “Sorry, no. I was just told to bring it here for the lady in the gazebo. I didn’t know it was you, Raleigh.”
“You two know each other?”
“Yes. Mark and I met at dinner last night.” Was it really only last night? This weekend was interminable.
“Who told you to bring the water?” Dylan asked.
“The waitress who works the pool area. She said to bring it here. You sure you didn’t request it, Raleigh?” Mark asked. Raleigh shook her head.
“Did you see who asked her?” Dylan persisted.
“No.” Mark was shifting his weight, as if antsy and upset. “Look Raleigh, if you don’t want the water, you don’t have to take it.”
Dylan examined the water bottle. It hadn’t been opened. “No, we’ll take it. Thanks.”
“Okay. See you later,” Mark said and then left.
“That was odd,” Dylan said.
“Maybe Lydia sent someone to request the water?”
“Maybe.” But he didn’t sound convinced.
Dylan shifted, offering the water to Raleigh. She took the bottle gratefully, opened it, and took a swig. She needed to cool down.
Her passion had gone from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. She’d been totally unprepared for her reaction to Dylan. Sure, he was sexy as sin, but no one had ever kissed her like that before.
She attempted to step away again, but he kept her locked in place. “You can’t move just yet,” his voice rumbled. “I’m not decent and these shorts aren’t made to hide anything.”
She laughed while the heat bloomed across her cheeks again. It was very sexy. She cleared her throat. “I guess I can stay here a while longer.”
When her gaze met his, a hundred butterflies took flight in her stomach this time. She wanted him to kiss her again, just like before, the one that had jumbled her insides like a carnival ride at the fair. He must have seen it in her face because his hands pulled her hips back toward his and his pulse jumped in his neck.
Then he changed his mind. “On second thought, maybe it’s better if you stand farther away from me. I won’t be able to get control of myself if you keep looking at me like that.” He moved her away and took the water out of her hand. He turned toward the golfers and drank deeply from the bottle.
