“I really like Shane a lot, admire him, respect him,” she said. “I enjoy our time together. The fact that he’s great looking doesn’t hurt, either.”
“So what’s the problem?”
She hesitated a moment before answering. “Anytime I think about going to bed with him, anytime he tries to get closer...physically...than we already have been, I feel trapped. I thought it was because of guilt over Paul.”
“So what changed?”
Safe in the darkness, Laurel couldn’t hold back the truth. Only Scott could help her put it in its right place—help her understand. “I didn’t feel trapped last night.”
>
“You were horrified.”
“You’re Paul’s brother.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“I’m deathly afraid I’m transferring my feelings for him onto you.”
“Were you thinking of Paul when you kissed me?”
Heat flooded her face, her body. “No.”
“How about when I kissed you back?”
He twisted her swing around to face him, holding her steady with his legs outside hers. “To tell you the truth,” he said, emphasizing each word with a squeeze on the outside of her thighs, “I’m flattered.”
Desire curled inside her so fiercely she didn’t have time to slow it down. To control it.
Leaning forward, Laurel touched his lips with hers, just like she’d been thinking about doing since she’d tasted him the night before.
This wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair.
But she couldn’t seem to stop herself. Wanting Scott was the first bit of powerful feeling she’d had since Paul was killed.
His lips were soft against hers. Undemanding—and yet responsive, too. He didn’t take over this time...wasn’t the least bit aggressive.
And yet, as her lips played over his, her hands resting on his thighs, he was right there with her all the way. Letting her coax him. Kissing her back.
With a boldness she’d never known before, her tongue played with Scott, running lightly along his lips, pushing between them, teasing his tongue.
He let her play, answering every move, instigating none. Turning her on, driving her crazy, making her want him more and more.
One hand slid higher on his thigh as she slipped in the swing. And then it moved higher because she wanted it to. Her fingers were at the juncture of his thigh, resting next to his groin.
This was Scott. Strong, confident Scott. And she wanted more.
Deepening the kiss from playful to serious, Laurel lost herself in the desire she’d built. Fire burned all through her as she left her hand just shy of complete intimacy on his thigh. His jeans were stretched taut and she was pretty sure her finger was resting against an erection. For her.
She literally ached with wanting him, but he didn’t move. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t touch her back.
“Scott?” she whispered, her hand trembling.
“Yeah?” His voice sounded as though he hadn’t used it in years.
“You okay?”
She wanted to look up at him but couldn’t quite do it. Instead, she closed her eyes.