Sexy Six (The Bennett Brothers 2)

Without

another word, he’s in front of me again. In a flash, I’m in his arms. Instead of our usual hug, he wraps his arms around my waist and drops his forehead to mine.

“I didn’t think it was possible, but you’re more beautiful each time I see you. Even at six in the morning, fucking gorgeous.” His voice is husky and deep, loaded with intention.

A ripple of heat rolls through my veins as my skin starts to tingle. The air in the room changes as he leans back a few inches and his eyes pin mine.

Slowly, never breaking our stare, he moves in until he’s so close I can feel the warmth of his breath. I close my eyes and tilt my head, bracing my hands on his chest.

He grazes his lips over mine until I part them, allowing his tongue to slip inside. The first taste of him takes my breath away. It’s everything I’ve imagined. That damn cologne takes over, invading my senses, and I sink into him, opening wider.

One of his arms skims up my back until his hand is cupping the back of my head. He holds me in place as his tongue strokes against mine, me following his lead. I’m pretty sure I stop breathing and take my air from him as he deepens the kiss.

Silently, I beg him never to stop, soaking in the best first kiss I’ve ever had. He’s gentle yet controlling as his fingertips start to massage my scalp. Our mouths move together, finding a rhythm so perfect I melt.

I was wrong earlier. This isn’t what I imagined… It’s more.

So much more.

Kissing Nick Bennett has my entire body drowning in a way I never thought possible. It’s all-consuming, the kind of experience that can never be forgotten.

He starts slow, withdrawing his tongue and kissing tenderly along my lips.

“Two years, six months and seventeen days. That’s how long I’ve thought about this moment,” he whispers against my mouth.

“Really?” I reply faintly, my knees starting to wobble.

“Yes, Sweet Grace. I’m almost tempted to kick my own ass for walking away that night without getting a taste of you. I can tell you right now, if I’d had a taste back then, there’s no way you could have disappeared like you did.”

“Nick…”

“Shhh—” He slides his hand from my scalp around to my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. “I know why you left, and I understand. But I wish we’d had more time to get to know each other back then. I would have been there for you.”

“You know?” I ask, surprised.

“I know your grandma died, and you went home to be with family, which seems like a logical decision. What I don’t know is why you didn’t think you could talk to me, tell me what was happening. We may have only known each other a few days, but I’m pretty sure we’d established we were friends, maybe headed for more.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s over.”

I nod and suck in a deep breath then lean back and raise my eyes to his. “I’d like to tell you now if you’re interested.”

“I’m interested.”

I release my hold on his chest and take his hand in mine, leading him to the sofa. Once he’s settled, I sit close, facing him. He puts our joined hands on his thigh, giving me an expectant look.

“First, can I ask how you know about Grandma?”

His expression turns to shame, and he tosses his head back, keeping his eyes on the ceiling.

“Would it make me a complete tool if I told you I’d Googled you?”

“You Googled me?”

“It wasn’t my intention. After you left school, I tried a few times to find you, but realized quickly I didn’t know much about your life outside of college, so all my attempts were a dead end. But when I came to the gallery last week to see you and finally learned more about where you were from, I tried again.”

He turns to face me, and I hold back my giggles. He resembles a boy about to be scolded. If only he knew how many times I’d actually looked him up throughout the years.