He pinned her against the wall with his body, his legs framing hers, his hands on either side of her head. He was rewarded with the soft, flowery scent of her. He was addicted to that smell. No. Addicted to her.
“I want you, Amanda.”
“You had me,” she said, her hands pressing against his chest to maintain space between them.
“It wasn’t enough.”
“It has to be.”
“Do you really want that?” he asked, knowing it wasn’t. He could feel the slight give of her body as it softened into his. Her hands stopped pushing him away.
She drew a shaky breath. “You have to leave.”
“I can’t leave,” he said, resting his forehead against hers.
“I can’t do this, Brad.” Her voice was low.
He eased backward a bit, letting her see the truth in his eyes. “I didn’t come here about Tony. I told myself that was the reason. I’m really here because I needed to see you. Because I couldn’t help myself.”
“You said—”
“I lied.”
Confusion flashed in her eyes before her expression hardened again. “You left my hotel room acting as if I couldn’t be trusted. I’ve done nothing to deserve that. And now you admit you are the one lying? I don’t want to play these games with you.”
“No games,” he said. “I can’t get you out of my mind.” They stared at each other, sexual tension building between them. “That’s the truth.”
“I don’t know what to believe,” she murmured. “I don’t…We can’t.”
He leaned forward, resting his cheek to hers, relieved that she didn’t push him away. She felt so good to him. He felt her inside and out. Felt her everywhere. What was she doing to him? He could barely breathe from the way her touch, her nearness, stormed his senses.
“Tell me to stay,” he whispered in her ear.
“Brad.”
“Tell me to stay.” He forced himself not to kiss her, not to press more than he already had.
Her hand went to his face, a tender touch that tightened his gut. “This is so not good for either of us.”
Her response spoke of acceptance and he responded. His lips slid along her jaw, brushing the sensitive skin with a long caress as he traveled. He absorbed the sweetness of her as his lips touched hers.
“Trust me,” he whispered, his hands leaving the wall to cup her face as he stared down at her. “No one will ever know.”
“Like you trust me?” she asked, her voice soft, full of passion, but her eyes alive with challenge.
The way she challenged him was arousing. “Trust is earned.”
He brushed his mouth over hers, this time using his tongue to tease hers, barely sliding past her teeth for a quick, tantalizing taste. “We could start tonight.”
“How exactly do you propose we do that?” she whispered, her mouth near his, their breath mingling. His hands slid down her neck, her shoulders, her sides.
“Every time you let down your guard,” he said, “every time you trust me a little more, I’m going to reward you with pleasure.” He let the promise linger in the air for several beats. “How does that sound?”
14
EVERY TIME you trust me a little more, I’m going to reward you with pleasure.
Amanda replayed the words in her head. How did that sound? It sounded like trouble. Like temptation. Like pure heaven.
Staring into Brad’s eyes, Amanda processed the low hum of sensual energy inching through her body. Regardless of why he’d shown up here, only one thing seemed to ring in her mind. How much she wanted Brad.
He shifted, fitting their hips together, proof of his arousal pressing against her stomach, teasing her with thoughts of their naked bodies molded together in passion. Images of their earlier night flashed in her mind, tormenting her with what she might miss if she sent him away.
“What do you say, Amanda?” he asked in that deep, raspy voice that worked its way along her nerve endings. “Do I stay or go?”
His fingers inched her skirt up her thigh, his hand sneaking beneath the hem and scorching her bare skin. She swallowed against the sudden dryness of her throat. “You’re rather persuasive.”
His palm caressed the curve of her backside. “You don’t even know the half of it, I promise.” He lifted her leg to his waist. His mouth lingered close to hers. “Tell me to stay.”
“I already did,” she countered, reaching for his mouth, only to have him pull back.
“No,” he told her. “You didn’t.”
It was clear she wasn’t getting kissed until she met his demand. Considering the delicious warmth spreading through her body, the price seemed a small one to pay. “Stay.”
He smiled and slowly lowered his head. His lips closed over hers, his tongue engaging hers in sensual play. She melted into the kiss, into him, as a strangled moan escaped.
He seemed different tonight. More potent and forceful, yet, safer. He seemed to demand in a way that didn’t command, but rather, invited submission. And, good lord, she wanted to submit.