“Just a toothbrush.” She wasn’t above hoping he was imagining her sleeping naked. Tonight wasn’t their night, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be another shot, after she’d calmed down and regained her healthy perspective.
“There should be a new one in the bathroom mirror cabinet next to your room. The towels in there are clean, too.” He stood there, still looking troubled, as if there was something he still needed to do or say.
She was tired.
“Good night, Ames.” Eva put her arms around him for a fierce hug. “Thank you again for being my hero tonight.”
“Sleep well.” His arms came solidly around her, preventing her from keeping the hug brief. “I’m sorry I scared you.”
“It’s okay.” She made the mistake of looking up at him. His brown eyes were intense, holding hers, one eyebrow quirked questioningly. Her instinct translated immediately, making her heart hammer in her chest. Ames might have offered the guest room, but he still wanted her.
Eva still wanted him, too.
Smiling blandly, she stepped back, gave a little wave and went into the guest bathroom, closed the door and leaned against it.
Whoa. She needed to get a grip. First her instinct said no, now it was saying yes. A good night’s sleep would take care of the weirdness. She’d be back on track and they could return to the fun fling she’d wanted, which he did, too, though he hadn’t admitted it yet out loud.
Then she could go home to California and hang out until it was time to marry Zac. Because this whole intensely angsty, wildly vulnerable ride she’d been on over Ames tonight was not her thing at all.
Settled.
She took care of her business, brushed her teeth and decided on a quick shower. Five minutes later, she came out of the bathroom and headed toward the guest room, wrapped in a towel.
Across the living room in the master bedroom, Ames had just emerged from his bathroom, torso naked, towel wrapped around his hips.
She stopped short.
So did he.
Silence except for her high, quick breaths.
His hands came off his hips. The towel dropped.
Uh-oh.
He walked toward her, his eyes not leaving hers.
Double uh-oh.
No, no, this was fine. She’d just explain to him that, um, she was... That he...
Oh, my God, he was so handsome. Eva was crazy about him. She wanted him. Her instinct was not only green-lighting, but waving checkered flags, go go go go go.
This was how she rolled.
She let go of her towel and met him in the middle, arms sliding around his neck, welcoming the warmth of his skin against hers in the cool room.
He felt perfect.
She stood still, eyes closed, head buried in his neck, pressed close, savoring the solidity of his body, the security of his arms, the addictive smell of his skin, keeping tabs on her reactions.
So far really great.
Guest room? Who was she kidding? That wasn’t like her at all, rationalizing and intellectualizing her feelings. She wanted him. He wanted her. It should be just that simple, always that simple.
Ames moved first, pressing kisses against her hair, on her temple, her cheek. Eva closed her eyes, gradually turned her face up to meet his mouth, keeping her thoughts away from feelings and analyses, indulging only the physical experience. Just in case the wobblies returned.
His lips took hers; she moaned in relief and pleasure. Yes. Yes. This was right, this was what she’d been wanting and needing during the long days without him. And the way he was devouring her, she suspected he’d felt the same.
Powerful chemistry between them. More than she’d ever experienced. But that was all it was.
His kisses were varied, thrilling, never staged or self-conscious. His back was warm and solid, his buttocks firm and round under her fingers. She could stand here and touch and kiss him all night.
His leg pushed between hers; his arms swept her back possessively. Mmm. She moved rhythmically against his thigh. Her arousal took off, her breathing stuttered. Stand here and touch and kiss him all night? Um, no. Eva wanted it all.
Impatiently she slid her fingers down to explore his erection, then gave in to temptation and sagged to her knees.
He had one of the most beautiful cocks she’d ever seen, thick without being monstrous, pale with a blushing tip, smooth and the perfect length to take into her mouth without feeling she wasn’t going to be able to handle it. He tasted clean from the shower, his skin soft and smooth.