Circle of Desire (Damask Circle 3)

“Most definitely.”

She put the chocolate on the table, then picked up her purse and stood. “Then I’ll be back in a moment.”

His gaze slid down her back to her legs as she walked away. He fervently hoped she kept wearing overly tight tops and short, swirly skirts while he was around. A figure as good as hers shouldn’t be hidden under layers of clothing. He glanced up as the waitress approached.

“Coffee?” she asked.

He shook his head and asked for the check instead. When Kat came back, he glanced out the window. “Would you like me to go get your coat from the car? The win

d can be pretty brisk around these parts, and it will be worse down near the waves.”

A smile touched her full lips. “I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

When the check arrived, Kat took it out of his hands. “I’ll get this,” she said, and dropped cash on the plate.

They headed outside and found the steps down to the sand. Kat took off her shoes, dangling them from her fingers as she strolled barefoot along the damp golden sand. Waves teased her toes and splashed up her bare legs, and suddenly he found himself fighting the desire to lick the salt from her skin.

He scrubbed a hand across his jaw and studied the long stretch ahead. The beach curved around to the right and disappeared. Once they walked beyond that point, they’d be beyond the sight of those in the restaurant and, hopefully, alone.

They continued on slowly. Heat pounded through his veins and surged to his groin. He was hard and aching like hell. Dusk was beginning to shadow the horizon, and darkness would only bring the fever into full focus. He had to ease his needs before then, or there could be real trouble. He’d never tested his will like this before. He didn’t know what would truly happen if the moon fever took over. But he could imagine, and he didn’t want to do that to Kat. Or any other female, for that matter.

They rounded the corner. The sea stretched before them, dotted by huge outcrops of rocks, and the sand was a long stretch of emptiness. He gave a mental sigh of relief. One problem down.

She moved up the beach toward the grass-topped dunes, then stopped, staring at the horizon as she rubbed her arms. He stopped behind her, close enough to smell her fresh fragrance, close enough that the scent of her desire washed over him. But not touching her. Not quite.

“Cold?”

She nodded. “You were right. I should have gotten my jacket.”

If things went the way he hoped, she wouldn’t really need it. The heat they’d raise between them would keep her warm enough. “Do you want to go back?”

She tilted her head back, one eyebrow arched as she met his gaze boldly. “Do you?”

In answer, he slid his hand around the cool skin of her bare waist and drew her close. She wriggled her bottom against him, sending heat flashing through his veins, then she sighed. “So much nicer.”

It certainly was. He slid his hand under her shirt. A tremor ran through her, and her breath caught as he brushed one taut nipple. He hoped it was a sign she was ready for him, because there wasn’t much chance of slowness once he started down the path of seduction. Not this first time, with the night coming on and the moon pounding so fiercely through his veins.

He pressed a kiss into her neck, then ran his tongue up to her ear. She tasted like she smelled—fresh and sunshiny. He took the lobe in his mouth, gently nibbling. Her soft groan ran across him, tearing at his control. He slid his other hand under her shirt and cupped her lush breasts. Teased and caressed her nipples until her breathing was as rapid as his own.

“Turn around,” he whispered.

His hands slid around her waist as she complied, and he pulled her close. He claimed her lips, exploring her mouth with his tongue, tasting her leisurely but deeply. She made a needy sound deep in her throat and ran a hand down his side until she touched him. He shuddered and pulled away.

“Don’t,” he said, fighting the surge, “or I’ll lose it.”

Her smile was pure cheek. “Isn’t that what you want?”

“Not yet.” Because as much as he wanted her, he wanted to at least give her some pleasure this first time. Or there might not be a second.

Always look after your own interests, his father had once told him. It was a lesson he’d learned all too well.

He took possession of her lips again and slid his hands under the hem of her skirt to caress the silk of her thigh. Then continued up the cool, smooth skin to discover heaven had no restrictions.

“When?” He slid his finger past her curls and into her moistness, gently caressing.

She pressed into his touch, forcing it deeper. “When I went to the restroom.”

“Clever girl.”