What Maxi Needs (Leave Your Shoes On 3)

It was a wonder she could speak, but she managed to ask, “If I take off your glasses, can you still see me?”

“If you stay close.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

She slipped the rims from his eyes and got the full effect of his melted-chocolate irises, all dark and flaring with desire. Flames danced over her skin.

Did Maxi understand the line she was about to cross?

Of course she did.

Yet she had to contend—if only to herself—that there were few moments in one’s life that felt so perfect, so fated, that to walk away from them was a scientific impossibility.

This was one of those moments.

“Ryan,” she whispered against his lips. “Kiss me. Now.”

Chapter Four

She didn’t have to ask twice, and Ryan didn’t need to give a second thought as to what he was doing.

His mouth pressed to hers. Her lips were soft, yielding. Spreading wider to allow his tongue to sweep inside, delve deep.

Fire lit his groin, instantly and fiercely. His free hand cupped the back of her head, beneath the mass of thick, silky curls, and he held her to him as the kiss intensified, their tongues performing an erotic dance that sent his pulse through the roof. His other hand remained on her thigh. He felt her muscles bunch beneath his touch, felt the flesh of her inner thighs quiver where his thumb gently stroked.

He kissed her with all the lust raging through his body, which she had evoked. Burning desire that had sparked from the moment he’d laid eyes on her this morning and which had become an unrelenting force the likes of which he’d never known.

Four years with Elizabeth had never—could never—equate to eleven electrifying hours in the presence of Maxi Shayne.

This woman was raw and passionate. And he was hooked on her.

Their tongues tangled, their lips twisted. They plunged and retreated. Ate at each other. Consumed one another.

His cock surged in wild beats, and his heart thundered.

She didn’t hold back. Didn’t play games. Didn’t ask for the moon and stars, promise them in return, and then coldly turn her back. No. Maxi fully engaged. Giving and receiving. Pushing him farther down the path of ecstasy and keeping a steady pace with him.

“You’re amazing,” he told her in a strained tone, in between kisses.

“I’m completely out of control.” Her own voice sounded raspy and full of need, yet tinged with surprise.

Ryan suspected she’d had no idea they’d connect like this. Nor had he, really.

Maxi didn’t seem to be hindered by her shock or deterred by their unexpected desire for each other. She clutched the lapels of his jacket and shoved the material over his shoulders and down his arms. He had to relinquish his grip on her thigh so she could divest him of the jacket. She tossed it aside. Then she flattened her palms against his chest and pushed him back into the pile of scarlet-colored pillows in the corner of the sofa. He clasped the hem of her tight skirt and jerked it up at the same time she straddled his lap.

Then one of his hands returned to her nape, and he pulled her to him, kissing her fervently. She tugged at his tie, loosening the knot before undoing the two buttons at his throat, which—finally!—helped him to breathe a little better. Though not substantially, because she’d effectively stolen his breath, but still…

He tore his mouth from hers just long enough to say, “We should close the door this time.” Then he was kissing her again.

He sat up, and her long legs circled his waist as he stood. Her arms snaked around his neck. They kept at their scorching kisses as he crossed the office and kicked the door shut with his foot. In doing so, he lunged forward, and her back pressed to the closed door as his body sealed to hers.

“How convenient,” she said in a saucy tone. “My laptop bag is hanging on the coatrack to your right. There’s a condom inside.”

A groan filled with need wrenched from his lips. Yet he said, “I’m pretty sure I can survive this without having to fuck you right this very second.”

“Oh, but why would you want to?”

Their gazes locked.