Page 61

“And here I thought the rugs were intended to invite us to roll around in the autumn leaves.”

“I’m guessing it’s not to your taste?”

With her head on his chest, she let the rumble of his voice echo in her ear, comforting, steady. This was what she wanted.

He wriggled his way a bit lower on the pillows. “What do you think?”

Bea hesitated. He was letting her lead—exhilarating, arousing and a bit scary. They’d built anticipation to an unbearable edge, now nerves threatened to overwhelm her.

I’ve never had a lover like Casildo before.

“Maybe the bed linen’s more recent? Nothing survives the wash cycle of a commercial laundry for long,” she said, pushing herself to a sitting position, before bouncing on the bed. “The mattress seems pretty good. No squeaking. We’ll be good when we turn out the lights.”

“Make no mistake, the lights won’t be off when I make love to you.”

“When.” Am I ready for what his sultry gaze promises?

She flipped onto her knees and pushed the cushions and excess pillows onto the floor, her heart hammering, and her insides liquid fire.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking the sheets. Can you tell the thread count without reading the label?”

“I’d have a good idea.” He placed his hand on hers, rolling to his knees. “To repeat a friend of mine, I don’t take unwilling lovers to bed. You can change your mind at any time. No need for nerves.”

“I’m not nervous.”Yes, I am“Well, maybe a bit.”

“No need.” He linked his fingers with hers. “I reckon we’ve got the kissing bit sorted.”

She smiled. “You’re right.”

“Then, please, Beatriz, for the sake of my sanity ...” He pressed her hand to his chest.

“You want me?”

“Very much.” His grin was tender.

Tension flowed out of her, leaving a gooey mashup of desire and affection. This was Casildo.

Leaning forward, Bea brushed her lips across his, her moan involuntary. She drew back, cupping his jaw. Her nights had been filled with dreams, the smooth texture of his lips, the edge of his teeth when he grazed her bottom lip, his teasing tongue testing their resolve to keep their touches on the barely controlled side of abandon.

Then his mouth was on hers. Just his mouth. An invitation, a promise of more, and blood heated her skin. This kiss hinted that abandon was within reach, and so much sweeter for the anticipation that had gone before. She trailed her fingers up his neck, enjoying its elegance, then moved higher, across his sharp cheekbones to tangle her fingers in the thick hank of hair falling forward across his forehead. So many luscious textures. Dreams and reality collided. Heaven.

Her breath hitched when he slid his arms around her, one hand stroking her spine, the other gripping one buttock and pulling her flush against him. When he insinuated his thigh between her legs, she leaned back, her vision blurred but wanting to give him the words. “Yes, Casildo, please.”

She rubbed herself against his thigh, the brush of denim against denim heightening her arousal. He soothed with a nuzzle to her throat.

“We have all the time in the world.”

“And still I want to rush, to ravish you,” she murmured.

I’m afraid I’ll lose you if we don’t love now.

“Easy, sweetheart. We’re not in a hurry.”

“I’m in a hurry.” She pulled him closer.

“I can see that.” He ran his hands over her cotton-covered breasts. “Let’s undo your buttons.”