“Some sacrifices are worth it.” She was worth it.
“These are my most comfortable shoes.”
“In that case, hold this—” He handed her the champagne and scooped her into his arms while she gasped and tried not to spill any liquid.
“You’re going to ruin my shoes and my dress.”
“Bill me.”
“And this is my favorite dress!” But she was laughing as he picked his way along the trail, muttering and cursing under his breath as twigs snapped and occasionally his feet sank.
“Normally when I try and charm a woman out of her underwear I pick a more glossy venue. Candlelit dinner. Maybe some dancing. I have some serious moves. Shit.” He cursed again as his foot hit something soft. “My brother should build a proper path. Whenever I walk along here I step in something I don’t want to identify.”
“Is that one of your moves?”
“Very funny.” He could feel her breath on his cheek and breathed in the scent she wore. He could feel her hair brushing against his jaw, feel her curves in his arms. The need to have his hands on her eclipsed everything else and he lowered her to the ground, keeping his arms around her. “The ground may not be firm underfoot but at least we have champagne. Never let it be said I don’t know how to show a woman a good time.” There was a roll of thunder in the distance and he winced as he felt the first drops of rain hit his shoulders. “Great. Please tell me you think rain is romantic.”
“I think you know exactly how to show a woman a good time. Vermont is probably littered with broken hearts.”
“Not just Vermont. I once kissed a girl from New Hampshire. If you’re keeping count, you need to include her.”
“And I mustn’t forget all the broken hearts in Massachusetts.”
“Those definitely weren’t my fault. I warn women my work comes first. It’s not my fault if they all want to reform me.” He was about to kiss her when the rain suddenly increased and she gasped as raindrops splashed her face.
“Thank goodness the party is almost over! We should get indoors.”
“I’ve got a better idea.” He pulled her under the nearest tree, pushing her back against the gnarled bark, taking advantage of the leafy shelter. “You’re shivering. Are you cold?” He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her shoulders, somehow managing to not drop the champagne. “Body warmth is best for that. Trust me, I’m a doctor.” He brought his mouth down on hers, groaning as her lips parted under his. She was sweet, willing and as desperate as he was.
“Sean—”
“God, you taste good. It’s been torture watching you walking around the deck with those long bare legs of yours—” The kiss was raw, desperate, lust clawing at him like a wild animal, urging him to take, and take. And she was equally demanding.
She locked her hand in the front of his shirt. “How do you think it has been for me with you half-naked on the deck for the past week?” Above them rain drenched the trees, filling the air with the scent of damp forest, the gentle patter of raindrops blocking out all other sounds. Protected by the dense canopy, they stayed dry. Oblivious.
She covered him with the flat of her hand and Sean groaned as he felt her fingers on his zip.
The champagne almost crashed to the ground.
Why the hell had he waited so long to do this again?
Sex with Élise had to be the most perfect, uncomplicated, sublime experience of his life.
In the distance, through the trees, they could see the lights from the party spilling onto the water, sending flashes of gold across the darkened surface. They heard the occasional strain of laughter as people scurried indoors out of the rain, but here in the forest they were alone. Tall white pine, sugar maple, white ash and red oak trees surrounded them and protected them from prying eyes and from the shift in the weather, silent witnesses to the building chemistry.
He lifted his mouth from hers and held out the bottle of champagne. “Drink?”
She took the bottle, her hand still cupping him intimately.
Her eyes holding his, she took a mouthful of champagne and gave a slow smile.
Still smiling, she freed him and then slid seductively down his body and took him in her mouth.
Wet warmth enveloped him and stars exploded in his head. Sean slammed his palm against the tree and closed his eyes, trying to ste
ady himself, trying not to explode like a teenager. Her mouth was soft and skilled and she licked her way along his shaft and then drew him in deep until the pleasure blinded him.
Right on the edge, he dragged her up to him and the champagne fell to the ground with a thud, spilling liquid over their shoes.