Being held by such a strong man, being cherished by him, was still so new and something she wanted to cling to and relish for as long as possible.
Tanner nipped at her bottom lip before easing back slightly. “If you need me to stop, say so now.”
The Melanie that lived in fear of being controlled emotionally and physically told her to put an end to this, but the new Melanie, the one who ached for this man, had no words.
Leaning forward to close the gap, she slid her lips across his. Tanner obviously took that as the green light he’d been waiting for, because he lifted her up and started carrying her from the room. She wrapped her legs around his waist and marveled at his strength as he moved through the hallway and headed toward the stairs.
“You can’t carry me up there.”
Both his hands gripped her backside as he whispered in her ear, “Challenge accepted.”
Melanie wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. Arousal pumped through her fiercer than she’d ever known. By the time they reached the top landing, Tanner still had a tight hold on her and wasn’t even breathing hard. There was something to be said about a man who was strong, sexy, and determined.
Tanner moved on down the narrow hallway and turned into a room. She’d never been up here before and hadn’t ever planned on it, actually.
Yet here she was in Tanner’s bedroom, and the anticipation coiled tight within her.
He released her and she slid down his body until she stood firmly on her feet. The only light was the glow from the full moon coming in the window through the open curtains. He reached down to the nightstand and clicked on the lamp.
“I was fine in the dark,” she said, hoping her nerves weren’t showing too much.
Tanner raked his eyes over her, giving her a visual sampling that had her heating up even more. “I want to see you. The last time didn’t nearly satisfy my craving.”
Oh, those clever words he said. She’d never known guys actually spoke this way. To be honest, she’d never known she could feel this way, that she’d actually crave sex and not think of it as a chore or a duty. She’d only been with one other man and—
“Hey.” He reached up, framing her face in his hands. “Look at me. It’s just us in this room. Got it?”
Melanie nodded, pushing aside thoughts that threatened to steal their moment. “Just us.”
Without looking away, Tanner reached for the hem of her tee and lifted it up and over her head. Her first thought was that she hadn’t even put on her pretty bra and panties. The plain pale pink cotton probably wasn’t doing much for Tanner. This was a far cry from the brazen woman he’d taken home from the bar several weeks ago.
“You’re frowning.” He reached for the button on her jeans. “I must be doing something wrong.”
“Can we turn the light off?” she asked.
He tipped his head down slightly until she was forced to look him directly in the eyes. “Just us, remember? No worry of looks or doubts, and sure as hell no memories of your ex. Just Tanner and Melanie.”
“In theory that sounds great.”
He shoved her jeans down and dropped to his knees in front of her. “I’m about to show you it’s not just a theory. It’s a fact.”
Melanie held on to his shoulders as he removed her shoes, socks, and jeans. She stood before him so exposed. This was nothing like the last time. Their first time had been flirty, frantic, and they were still half dressed, fumbling in the darkness of his foyer.
Now they were so emotionally involved, with a baby no less, lights on, and apparently getting down to the bare essentials.
Nerves curled low in her belly and Melanie had to force herself to remain calm.
“I didn’t see this before.” His finger traced over the small circular tattoo on her hip bone. The Roman numerals represented freedom. “What’s this mean?”
Melanie watched as his fingertip continued to slide over the ink. “That’s the day I decided to live for myself and leave my abusive marriage. That date symbolizes a new beginning.”
His eyes came up, locking onto hers. “I’ve said it before, but you’re so damn remarkable.”
She felt that way when he said such things. Melanie felt like she couldn’t possibly fail at anything when Tanner pushed his way through that wall of doubt she kept in place. How did he do that? How did someone she’d known for such a short time already get her and know all the right words to say?
Not only just saying the right words, but she knew deep in her soul that he meant every single one.
“You’re still feeling okay, right?” he asked, his brows drawn in. “With the baby?”