The Feline Gaze

“Because I want it to be special,” he says. “And the inside of a crowded bar isn’t a very romantic place to kiss the girl you like.”

“What about under the stars?” I ask.

“Come here.”

I step closer and he reaches for me, yanking me against his body. The distance between us closes and he runs his hand possessively down my neck, down my side, and around to my back. He keeps it there and looks at me for just a second before he kisses me.

And oh, he is wild.

His tongue slides over mine, demanding more, demanding everything, and I know that before the night is over, that’s exactly what I’m going to give him: everything. Matthew Ridge is wild and strong and incredible. He’s everything a shifter man should be and more.

I don’t get involved with guys like him because they’re dangerous. You give a guy like this one night and then you find that you want more. He wants more. You both want more. Soon you’re giving each other everything and before you know it, you’re in some sort of weird, codependent relationship. I don’t want that. Not with Matthew.

But my inner-tigress sure does.

She growls, searing my heart with her longing, and I know that I’m going to have a hell of a time leaving tomorrow morning, but right now, I don’t care. I need this. I deserve this. Life has been hard and crazy and difficult lately, and right now, I just need something all to myself. I need something that’s just for me, and this?

Oh yes, this is just for me.

“Matthew,” I whisper against his lips, but he pulls me closer, kisses me harder. My nipples harden beneath my tiny dress and he chuckles and runs his knuckles over them.

“Happy, baby?” He whispers. “I sure as hell am.”

Over and over again, he takes my mouth until I’m so wet that I feel like I’m going to die. Finally, just before I start grinding against him like I’m in heat, he pulls back and looks down at me.

“Cassidy,” he says. “Let’s go home.”

“I’ll drive,” I whisper.

We climb in my car and instantly, he reaches for me, kissing me again and again. I don’t know if we’re going to make it back to his place at this rate. We certainly aren’t going to be making love at my house. Not with Grandpa lurking around. Oh, I don’t get the impression that my grandfather would mind if I brought someone home, but I’m not interested in pressing my luck in that department.

Besides, I want some privacy with Matthew. I want to be able to be as loud and as wild and as carefree as I want. I don’t want to be worrying about waking anyone up.

Fortunately, Matthew seems really, really into me.

Maybe it’s the drinking. Maybe it’s just because we didn’t get together before. Maybe it’s because we both have high stress jobs. I don’t know. All I know is that right now, I don’t want him to ever stop touching me, and I get the feeling that he doesn’t intend to. His hands slide down the top of my dress as he kisses me. He fondles my nipples, twisting and pinching them.

“Tight little nipples,” he murmurs. “They’re so hard, honey,” he looks at me and smiles. “Are you turned on, Cassidy?”

“Yes,” I whisper, because my mouth can’t seem to form any other words.

Yes, this is the hottest thing I’ve done, oh, maybe ever. Of course, my nipples are hard. Every part of me is aroused and excited and filled with need. My entire body is pulsing, coursing with desire, and I don’t know if I’m going to survive much longer without him inside of me.

“Matthew,” I pull back, but he reaches for me, chuckling, and kisses me again.

“We have all night, Cassidy,” he strokes my hair. “Don’t be in such a rush to get home. Enjoy the ride, pretty girl.”

“But, we’re in the parking lot.”

“You’ve never made out in a parking lot before?” He asks. “I didn’t take you for the shy type.”

“I’m not shy, but I haven’t made out in a parking lot since I was about sixteen.”

“Tonight’s the perfect night, then.”

“I want more.”

“Slow down, princess,” he says. “I’ve got to sober up a little before I ravish you, anyway.”