He reached for her, curling his fingers around her chin and tilting her face up. “You never will be.”
Her eyes went glassy and she blinked once, twice. “I love you. I might not have shown that very well these last six weeks, but I plan on showing you for the rest of your life, if you’ll let me.”
The second the words flew out of her mouth, Blake wanted to cry. No, she wanted to fall to her knees and beg his forgiveness, damn the huge dress. If she crushed it, she didn’t care.
Her mother would be appalled, but it didn’t matter. Her life was on the line here.
She’d wanted to be honest. That first moment upon seeing him, realizing it was Mason who stood just feet away from her, had filled her with such joy she thought she might burst. He was so dashingly handsome in the tuxedo that fit as if it were tailor made for his tall, broad form. He looked a little thinner than she remembered. His cheekbones were more pronounced, his hair longer, tousled and sexy, and so very touchable.
When he took her in his arms, she’d melted. When he kissed her, her knees buckled. And when he looked at her with his vivid green eyes, whispered those sexy words in her ear about unwrapping her like a present, she quivered, a rush of heat flooding between her thighs.
And now she awaited his reaction to her declaration of love.
The few seconds that ticked by felt like an eternity. She waited breathlessly for his answer until finally, without saying a word, he brought her to him, hugging her close. She slipped her arms around him, her breasts smashed tightly against his chest and she buried her face in the crook of his neck.
Breathing deep, she inhaled his wonderfully spicy male scent. A mixture of subtle cologne, soap and just plain him. If they were alone, she’d lick him there, savor his salty male taste.
She’d do it later, if he let her. She could hardly wait.
“Mason,” she murmured against the strong column of his throat. “Please.”
He drew away so he could smile down at her. “Please what?”
Nerves made her stomach jump and she shook her head, not in the mood for his teasing. “Give me an answer. Please.”
“Oh sweetheart, don’t you know? Can’t you see it written all over my face?” He brushed his mouth against hers, his tongue darting out for the quickest lick and tingles swept along her body at his daring. “I love you, too. More than I can ever say,” he whispered against her mouth.
She knew deep in her heart what his answer would be, but relief stil
l washed over her at his words. Sweet, sweet relief at the realization Mason Russell actually loved her. Such a delicious, heady feeling, she grew dizzy with want and clutched him close, her arms tightening around his waist.
“Do you think they’ll let me visit you at the White House?” she asked.
His brows furrowed, confusion written all over his beautiful, handsome face. His eyes, those brilliant green eyes roved over her, lingering on her mouth and her lips tingled in anticipation. “What are you talking about?”
She smiled, wondered if she’d ever felt so lighthearted. “When you’re working there, do you think they’ll grant me admittance? I will be, after all, the former vice president’s troublesome daughter. And from the opposition too. They might frown on me making an appearance.”
He laughed, the low rumbling sound doing spectacular things to her body. She loved his laugh, loved everything about him.
“I’m sure they’ll let you visit. You’ll have to be on your best behavior, though. They might assign you a tail to keep a watch on you, control your antics.”
“Will you be my tail?” She arched her brows, almost daring him to come up with something suggestive.
“I know I do love your tail.” He smoothed his big hands over her satin covered bottom, subtly kneading her flesh. Her body pulsed at his intimate touch. “I’ll definitely keep watch on your tail. With pleasure.”
She smiled. “I’m sure.” Leaning in, she sealed his promise with a kiss.
****
WIN A $200 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON OR B&N!
Join us in celebrating the launch of UNDER HIS PROTECTION (Defend and Protect, Book 1) and DANGEROUS SECRETS (Tall, Dark and Deadly, Book 2) with a special contest to win a $200 gift card to either Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice)! You can enter in two easy steps.
(1) Post a review of DANGEROUS SECRETS or UNDER HIS PROTECTION at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com between now and May 15, 2012. Each posted review of any Lisa Renee Jones or Karen Erickson book is eligible for entry, including reviews at sites such as Goodreads and book review/romance blogs.
(2) Email [email protected] with your reviewer/pen name under which you wrote the review and the link(s) where you posted the review(s).
The winner will be announced on May 20, 2012. An independent third party will validate each entry and randomly select the winner. No Purchase Necessary. Please see details and other terms at http://www.karenerickson.com or http://lisareneejones.com. Good luck!