He gave a deep sigh. “I know.”
He sounded almost disappointed by that. Did he want her to hold on tight and never let go? She doubted it. What man really wanted that?
“Just one time, no strings attached,” she offered as her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst. “No promises, no commitments.”
His expression hardened as his eyes glittered. “Is that what you want?”
“I want to explore this attraction that keeps building between us. I don’t want to wonder what might have been. I want you, Connor, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
She stood on her tiptoes and grazed her lips against his. She heard his breath hitch in his throat and was enchanted by the sound. Connor didn’t close his eyes as she teased his mouth with hers. It was as if he couldn’t believe this was happening. That he wondered if it was some trick of his mind.
Laura left a trail of soft kisses along his jaw. His beard was rough against her lips. She loved the taste of him. The scent. The heat. She felt the tension in Connor’s body but he didn’t reach for her.
Perhaps this was all an illusion. She wanted this so bad she’d decided it was real. Disappointment slashed through Laura. She’d tried to be upfront. Tried to take the gentle approach, but it hadn’t work. Nothing was going to convince Connor to take the risk.
He might be attracted to her, but not enough to act on it.
Laura’s face heated with embarrassment. She had been so sure that if she gave him a clear invitation she could convince him to go for one night, no commitment. That he would accept her terms.
She took a step away, wishing she could disappear, when Connor stopped her. His large hands spanned her bare back. His touch made her feel delicate as the heat of him seared her skin. Laura glanced up at him and stilled.
His intent look captivated her. Connor didn’t say anything as he backed her up until her legs bumped against the bed. She kept silent, too afraid to break the spell.
He laid her down on the bed with such reverence that she didn’t know what to do. She was momentarily at a loss as she watched him lean over her. He didn’t grab or rush. His chest barely touched hers, the control he demonstrated astonishing her as he bestowed a kiss on her brow...her cheek...and finally her lips.
Pleasure rippled through her. She went weak as he deepened the kiss. Laura sighed as he slowly explored her mouth with his. Her lips clung to his as their breath mingled.
She glided her fingers along his muscular shoulders and back, learning every angle and curve. Laura wanted to melt into him and become one with him. She slid her hands under his T-shirt and trembled as her palms flattened against his hot skin.
Connor knelt between her legs and reached up to tear off his shirt. She was in awe of his masculine beauty. Lust, sharp and heavy, settled low in her pelvis as she splayed her hands through his dark chest hair. She smiled when she felt his thudding heartbeat under her touch.
Laura sat up and reached for the knot of her halter top. Connor silently covered her fingers with his. She looked into his dark eyes and understood what he wanted to do. She let go and allowed Connor to remove her top.
He tossed the scrap of pink fabric on the floor and laid her back down before he removed the rest of her clothes. His touch sent a hot spray of sensations across her skin. He worshipped her body, exploring her curves with his hands and mouth. She couldn’t hide her love, her absolute devotion to him, as he coaxed out her wild responses.
It felt as if time stood still as they explored each other. The room was silent except for their staggered breaths and long moans. Her skin was slick with sweat and her muscles were twitching and shuddering by the time he shucked off his jeans. Laura felt as though her eagerness was going to consume her.
She rocked her hips, aching with lust, as Connor slid a condom onto his thick cock. He lay on top of her and she cradled his body, welcoming his weight. He reached for her hands and laced his fingers with hers.
She stared wide-eyed at him. Connor was so serious. The rough hair on his chest rubbed against her nipples. His hard cock pressed against the wet folds of her sex.
Laura couldn’t look away from his solemn eyes. This moment felt like a sacred ritual. A vow. But she knew her mind was playing tricks on her.
Connor slowly entered her with one long thrust. A moan tore from her lips as she arched her body. She bucked her hips, encouraging him closer, wanting him to fill her completely. Connor retreated and thrust deeper. Again and again. His gaze never left hers as his rhythm gradually increased.
Laura was tempted to close her eyes as the hot, biting energy swirled inside her and her skin began to tingle. But she was mesmerized by his dark gaze. Stunned by the agony and pleasure that played on his face.