Simply Sensual (Simply 3)

“My place work for you?” she asked, her voice as breathless as he felt.

“Since mine’s not really mine, yours is fine.” He’d much rather be in a place that smelled and felt like Grace than one as unfamiliar as his temporary residence. Besides, he didn’t need the reminder of his deception marring his time with this special woman.

He put the issue out of his mind. “Keys?” he asked.

She bit down on her lower lip. “It’s unlocked.”

He opened his mouth to yell but she beat him to it. “Don’t go and lecture me, Ben. I had no place to hide keys on me. Besides, you’ve been watching my every move. You’ve probably even got the security cameras trained on my door.”

Another subject he’d avoid. There were too damn many. “Just don’t do it again,” he muttered and grabbed for the doorknob.

“Wait.”

He met her gaze. Her eyes were opened wide and brimming with an emotion he couldn’t name.

“Second thoughts?” Because he’d respect them in an instant, difficult as it would be. In the end, she might be doing herself a favor if she backed out now.

She shook her head. “It’s just that I obviously planned this, but it’s not an everyday thing for me. And I just wanted to make sure… I mean, I know this is going to sound silly, but… will you respect me in the morning?” Her cheeks flushed a bright shade of pink.

“I’ll more than respect you, Gracie.” That was his biggest fear—how deeply she drew him in.

He twisted open the doorknob and let them inside, walking into the short entryway with her still in his arms. The flickering candles took Ben by surprise. The small votives had been strategically placed around a room ideal for seduction. A stimulating scent he couldn’t name but one that aroused his senses surrounded him. He now knew what she meant when she said she’d planned this, and he was touched by the effort and thought she’d put into their first time together.

“Incredible,” he whispered in her ear. He lowered her to the floor, letting her body slide against his, letting her feel how much he wanted her.

“Yes, you are.”

He chuckled, but his laughter ceased as she molded herself to him. Her legs aligned with his and her sex settled against the hard bulge in his jeans. With her bracketed in his arms, flush against him, all thoughts fled, replaced by a sizzling heat and a pounding of desire.

“You went to a lot of trouble for us, Gracie.” He let his hands sweep into her hair, freeing the strands from confinement and luxuriating in their silken feel.

She smiled. “I’m glad you noticed. I had the doorman come in and light them while we were gone. See why I didn’t need keys?”

Grace stepped back and grabbed his hand. Only the knowledge that they wouldn’t be apart for long allowed him to separate their bodies, to remove himself from the heated cocoon of desire, long enough to follow her into the atmosphere she’d created.

The glow from the candles created a warmth and intimacy he’d never before experienced. With the pleated shades drawn closed but left open on top, the oncoming of dusk filtered through the window. The dimly lit candles provided the only other light in the room. He inhaled and caught that intoxicating scent again, one he’d never forget.

She walked over to the table where she’d set up an array of sensual treats from which they could choose. With one hand, she swept the expanse of the delight-filled table—a vase of freshly bought roses and a selection of jars, creams, and oils.

“Welcome to my simply sensual seduction,” she said and motioned for him to come near.

She’d been seducing him from the moment they met, yet Ben felt as if he’d been awaiting this moment for much longer. A lifetime.

He came up beside her and wasted no time in cradling her cheeks in his hands and stealing a deep, meaningful kiss, one certain to seal their fate for the night ahead. Her mouth was sweet, so warm and welcoming, Ben nearly lost it right then.

He broke the kiss long enough to free the zipper running down the back of her top. He spread the material with his hands and the fabric fell away, sliding down her arms with little effort and pooling on the floor at their feet.

Taking in the view beneath, he drew in a sharp breath. Nude-colored lingerie covered her full breasts, easing them upward so rounded swells of pale skin provided a tantalizing view. And if that sight weren’t enough to bring him to his knees, the material was sheer, nearly translucent, with a hint of shimmer to dazzle him in the candlelight. Darkened nipples, visible through the flimsy material, puckered and hardened beneath his hungry gaze. He traced their dusky outline with the pad of one finger, savoring their texture against his hand.

He met her gaze, watching as her pupils dilated with each rotation of his hand and every pinch of his fingers on her hardened flesh. He took it slow, holding himself in check, wanting to savor what they shared—not just the physical but the emotional, too. Because the play of expressions on her face—the ecstasy at his touch and the flush of desire—affected him on a level no woman had ever reached before.

He reached out with his hand and pressed it against her soft breast. His fingers curled, wrapping around her and testing her weight and fullness in his hand. “Like that?” he asked.

“Yes.” She let out a slow breath coupled with a ragged moan. “And I like this, too.” Her hand slid downward until her palm rested over his erection.

His hips jerked forward, seeking more of her firm touch. The sensual array of objects she’d left for them beckoned to him, but no way could he hold out long enough to make use of them. Not the first time. He’d been waiting for her too long as it was.

A wicked grin touched her lips as she pulled his T-shirt out of the waistband of his jeans. He knew how much she was enjoying, but it was costing him. He’d already broken into a sweat.