One to Love (One to Hold 4)

Pulling me against his chest, he leaned down and kissed my cheek, the side of my ear, before whispering, “I want you in my bed so badly.”

“Okay.” I didn’t even hesitate, but he did.

He leaned back, holding my cheeks. “God, you’re killing me. You know that?”

“Why? What’s wrong?” I wanted nothing more than to spend the night wrapped in his arms. “Isn’t your place right over there?”

“Yes.” His gaze raked over my body and back to my eyes. It was thrilling. He ran his thumbs over my throbbing lips, and I wanted him to kiss me again. “I need to take care of a few things first. I’m not ready for you to see my place.”

I put my fingers on his square chin again, running my thumb down that sexy line. “You make it sound like you’re hiding something illegal.”

“No.” Pulling my face to his, he kissed me deeply one more time, sliding his tongue to mine, tracing the rim of my lips before pulling the bottom one between his teeth.

I couldn’t help a little whimper. “You’re a horrible tease.”

“You have no idea how this is killing me.”

“You could always come to my place.”

He was quiet a moment, thoughtful. “You have a point.” Looking up at my car and then back to me, he grinned. “Give me twenty-four hours.”

My brow lined and he kissed it, lowering his hands to my waist. Then his lips moved to my temple, and he took a slow inhale. “You smell so good. I can’t wait to have my mouth all over your body, Kendra Woods.”

A thrill surged through my core. “I can’t wait either, Slayde Bennett.”

He pulled my face up and kissed me several more times before stepping back. “Now get out of here before I forget I’m a gentleman.”

“Are you a gentleman?” I squinted.

“Not really.” A naughty gleam hit his eye, and I was sure I’d have to change panties when I got home. “With you I try to be.”

Stepping forward, I caught his cheeks and kissed him hard. “Don’t try too hard. I’ve never been much for gentlemen.”

“Go. Now.” His voice was almost a growl.

“If you insist.” Shaking my head, I skipped away to my car. If he wanted to delay our gratification, I could play that game—as sucky as it was.

Pausing, I looked back one last time. He stood there in his jeans and white tee with his hands in his back pockets. That sexy grin was on his lips, and he was yummy enough to eat—or at least run my tongue all over.

I blew him a kiss, and with that we said goodnight.

Chapter 13: “Take every chance.”

Slayde

My head was on fire; my whole body was on fire as I stood there watching her drive away. I couldn’t believe I let her go. Everything in me wanted to carry her back to my place and make love to her every way I knew how—on the bed, on the table, in the shower, against the wall... Would she scream when she came? Was she quiet? Did she make that sexy little moan? Fuck! What was I doing?

I was being smart. I had to let her go. I didn’t have condoms for one thing; my apartment was a shithole for another. It might work for me to eat, sleep, and shower here, and call the beach my living room. With Kenny, I wanted something better—clean sheets, for starters. Flowers would be a bonus. Maybe I could grill something for her to eat. Or not. I couldn’t tell what her appetite was like.

All I knew was she filled my mind like the most powerful drug. Only boxing felt this good. Lying back on my bed, I stared at the ceiling remembering her mouth. She tasted like sugar and mint, just like she smelled, and she felt like heaven. I was counting the minutes until I’d see her again. I didn’t work on Sundays, but I’d be in early for our training session. Pulling out my phone I wished I’d gotten her number.

I needed to buy more minutes.

* * *

Tension ached in my throat the next morning. Would she be different when I saw her again? Would she change her mind? Half the night I’d tossed and turned, reliving the feel of her lips against mine, the amazing sensation of lifting her small body in my arms, her legs wrapped around my waist. She weighed next to nothing, and I could’ve held her that way for hours exploring that mouth. Delicious.

I rounded the corner at the gym and there she was. Her gorgeous blue eyes flickered to mine and then away again like little birds.