Paradise Peak (New Americana 5)

She smiled, making every nerve in his body tingle. “Danced?”

“Yeah,” he whispered. Among other things. Like the strong tug of tenderness Hannah evoked deep in his middle.

Her smile faded and her eyes darkened. “It’s been a long time for me, too.” She slid her free hand along his biceps to his shoulder, her palm curving around the back of his neck. “We’ll remember together.”

She pressed closer and nuzzled her cheek against his chest. Her soft hair brushed his chin, releasing the light, floral scent of her shampoo, and Travis hugged her closer, absorbing her warmth, his legs moving easily now, his body swaying in tandem with hers.

For the next three songs, they stayed on the dance floor, moving to the slow tunes on the warm night air, and everything melted away for Travis except the feel of Hannah in his arms, the rapid pound of her heart against his chest, and the gentle glide of her legs against his as she danced.

“Travis?” Hannah stopped dancing and looked up at him, her hand leaving his neck and trailing down his arm to weave her fingers with his. “Can we go home?”

Home. His breath caught at her soft words, and he cupped her face, smoothed his thumbs over her cheeks, and nodded, promising himself he’d stop at her bedroom door. That he’d kiss her good night and return to his own bed as usual and keep himself from doing anything else until he’d told her the truth.

But after walking up the winding path lit only by stars, climbing the front steps of the cabin and reaching the hallway, Hannah held his hand tight and stepped closer, her blue eyes steady on his.

“Do you remember what you told me? That when we make love, you want it to be because I know all of you, and want you for who you are?”

Travis grew still, every part of him yearning to pull her close, never let go, and refuse to face the consequences of tomorrow. But another part resisted, knowing things would change when she learned the truth. That this emotion she felt for him could so easily turn to hate when she knew who he really was.

“Hannah—”

“I know you,” she whispered, easing closer, her thighs brushing his. “I know how protective and kind you are. How brave, considerate, and passionate.” She lifted her hand, her palm pressing against his chest, over his heart. “I know you carry regrets—like we all do. And I hope you share them with me someday, because I love you. Every part of you.”

He waited, not breathing, not moving—just holding on to her words. To the accepting tone of her voice and the admiration in her eyes.

“Do you love me?” she asked.

And he couldn’t lie. He wouldn’t lie to her. Not anymore.

“Yes.” He cupped her face, lowered his forehead to hers, and closed his eyes, listening to her soft, rapid breaths, and savoring her warm touch against his chest. “I love you.”

A ragged breath left her lips, and he covered her mouth with his. Her lips parted, and he sampled her sweetness. A soft moan of pleasure and need left her mouth and entered his own.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close, and slid his hands over the silky material of her dress until his palms met her warm, bare upper back.

“Travis . . .” She pulled back, took his hand in hers, and tugged him toward her bedroom.

Unable to resist the need surging inside him, he followed.

When they reached the foot of her bed, her hands went to his tie, her fingers fumbling over the knot and buttons underneath, her blue eyes holding his gaze.

Travis helped her remove his tie and shirt, then stood still, his abs quivering slightly, as her hands explored him, smoothing over his shoulders, biceps, and chest. Then her fingers traveled lower, sliding slowly over his midsection, and removed the rest of his clothing.

He reached for her, skimmed his hands over her curves, then removed her dress, sliding it over her head to trail kisses along her neck, breasts, and belly. He lingered there, nuzzling his cheek against the soft curve of her belly, allowing himself to dream for a brief moment of what it’d be like to feel their child growing there, sheltered, protected, and loved. Then he moved lower still, worshipping every inch of her with his hands, mouth, and heart.

A soft cry of pleasure escaped her, and she speared her fingers through his hair and tugged him to his feet again, her lips meeting his, her hands and body nudging him back onto the bed where she followed.

He let her take the lead, his breath leaving him in heavy exhales as she moved over him, her breasts brushing his chest, and her soft heat surrounding him tightly. Waves of emotion rolled through him, intensifying with each of her movements, until he gripped her soft hips, rolled her gently to her back, and took over, only slowing when they were both overcome, her arms and legs wrapping around him and cradling him close as their hearts spilled over.

Afterward, he rolled to his back and took her with him, hugging her close to his chest and tucking her head beneath his chin. Their pounding hearts slowed in time together and her fingers smoothed through the sprinkling of hair on his chest in slow, relaxed movements.

“I love you,” she whispered, closing her eyes, her cheek nestled against the base of his throat.

He wanted to say the same, but emotion—strong and overwhelming—surged over him, threatening his composure. Instead, he held her tighter.

Soon, Hannah’s breathing grew deep and even and Travis kissed the top of her head, resisting the pull of sleep, trying to make the moment last forever.

Wet warmth seeped between his lashes and rolled down his cheeks. His eyes grew heavy and a silent plea whispered through his mind as he thought of tomorrow. As he thought of a future empty of Hannah, Margaret, and Red—a bleak world away from Paradise Peak.