Page 57 of A Place Like You

I shrug. “Cal is probably training at CQS. He’s trying to show them he’s trustworthy and a quick learner by working late hours. The rest shouldn’t be here. They have their own cabins.”

And this is when I realize we’re alone.

I’m alone with Wren Lynch in my cabin. She’s looking not just beautiful, but edible. If I could just get one lick, one bite . . . anything more than the kiss we shared in her house.

I want to love her, gently, roughly, and with all my soul.

“What’s with that look, Dr. Kershaw?” she teases, her words pushing me further toward the edge of reason. “You seem to be thinking about doing something, aren’t you?”

Should I tell her?

I can’t just tell her that I want her in my bed.

I want to devour her . . .

Fuck her.

Fuck her the way I haven’t been able to do, but I’ve wanted for so long.

I want to show her with my body how much she means to me, making sure that she loves every second that I’m inside her.

Clearing my throat, I ask, “What do you mean?” My voice comes out normal. I’m trying to sound innocent, but my heart pounds loudly in my chest, betraying my façade.

She cups my face with her hands, bringing our mouths tantalizingly close. Her warm breath brushes against my skin, and I’m intoxicated by her proximity. “I’m pretty sure you know,” she breathes, her voice a whisper of temptation.

“Is that an invitation, Wren?” I ask, my voice low, mirroring her sultriness.

She nods slowly, and I can’t resist the urge to trail my fingers along the side of her face, down to her neck. Her eyes flutter closed, and I inch closer, my lips hovering over hers, savoring the anticipation of this long-awaited moment.

Before I do anything else, I draw away from her hold, locking the door to ensure our privacy, and then lead her to my room.

“I can’t wait to unwrap you, like a present,” I murmur, my heart pounding with anticipation as I lead her closer to the bed. With a gentle tug of her hair tie, I release her auburn waves, and they cascade freely around her, framing her face like a halo.

“And worship every inch of your body,” I add, my fingers trembling with the intensity of my emotions as I begin to undress her with tender reverence.

“You’re so beautiful.” I kiss the base of her neck. “So fucking beautiful.”

Her sweater is off, and I can’t help but grin at the sight of her only wearing a tank top with nothing underneath. Her nipples are already hard with arousal. The sight of her as she lets me undress her is so fucking hot—intoxicating.

I slide the straps of her top off her shoulders. First one, then the other, until it gathers at her waist. I inch my hands downward, my fingertips tracing the gentle curves of her body. She bobs her head slowly, her breath hitches, and her skin flushes a deep red.

I pause, savoring every moment as each inch of her soft skin is unveiled before me. My heart races, pounding against my rib cage, and I take a deep breath to steady myself. Her bare breasts move with her breathing, captivating me, and it’s impossible to tear my eyes away.

I want to touch her, but I’m not sure where to start. I raise my hand, gently caressing the side of her face with the back of my fingers, then trailing down to her neck. She closes her eyes, her vulnerability evident, and I lower my mouth to meet hers in a light, tender kiss. I want to remember everything about this moment—the way her lips feel against mine, the taste of her, the electricity in the air.

With a mix of restraint and desire, I pull away and proceed to take off the rest of her clothes, standing back to admire her beauty. My heart melts as I take her in, wanting to embrace her and hold her close forever. Her presence electrifies me, and a deep sense of satisfaction washes over me as I revel in the sight of her.

Gently, I grasp the back of her neck and kiss her desperately, trying to convey the overwhelming emotions running through my veins. I breathe her in, letting her fill my entire existence with hers, while I surrender my heart to her.

However, the ache inside me for more pulls me away from the kiss—I need to be inside her, to connect with her on a deeper level. To become one with her.

“Sit on the bed,” I order, my voice husky with desire.

She gives me a mischievous grin. “Who said you’re in charge?”

I reach out and take her hand, stroking it tenderly. “No one is in charge. I’m just here to worship you.” I wink at her, taking a seat.

She inhales sharply as I pull her to me, her pupils dilating. Never breaking eye contact, she sits next to me, her lips parting invitingly. Slowly, I lean in, meeting her mouth with mine. Our kiss is unhurried, allowing me to focus on the subtle reactions she emits, letting her set the pace.

---