Page 72 of Connectio

Chapter Twelve

Will lets go of his jacket and threads his hand through my hair, cupping my nape and cradling my head as his soft, wet lips touch mine. My body sparks to life. Receptive. Awake. Alert. Except for my eyelids, which collapse when his tongue sweeps into my mouth.

He tastes like chocolate and beer, winter and warmth, and I fall into the kiss, fall into him.

Reaching up, I glide my fingertips over his beard, surprised at the silky soft feel. I’ve never kissed a man with a beard before, always thought I’d hate it, but I don’t. Quite the opposite, actually. Will and his beard are nothing but sweetness and strength, and I’ve never felt more relaxed in someone’s arms before.

He trails his lips across my cheek to just under my ear, then down my neck before gently sucking on my skin. My body tightens in anticipation, and I gasp, gripping him hard. Wanting more. Wanting all of him.

I can’t for the life of me remember the last time I craved sex, let alone participated in it. It’s safe to say it’s been years, on a cruise ship to New Caledonia, I think. I was drunk and very much embracing the leave-your-worries-behind sea life.

“You want to come in?” I ask, breathless.

His voice is rough, like gravel. “Yes.”

Fumbling behind for the doorhandle, I go to open it, when Will covers my fingers and holds the door closed. “But I’m not going to. Not tonight.” He grinds his body into mine and presses his erection against my belly. “If you want this, you’re gonna have to give me that second date.”

Holy shit!

He pulls away, his eyes dark, his lips glistening. Unable to help myself, I look down at his jeans, pulled taut over an impressive mound I can’t seem to take my eyes off.

“How ‘bout it, sweetheart?” He covers my view with his hand as he adjusts himself. “How ‘bout that second date?”

Blinking, I look up and focus on his sexy grin and amused eyes, which help me find my words again.

“I’ll…” I swallow. “I’ll think about it.”

Fumbling once more, I turn the doorhandle and step backward until I’m inside and slowly closing the door, our eyes glued to one another’s.

“Wait!” Will’s hand shoots out and covers the doorframe. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I cock my head and give him a lazy smile. “You do that.”

He groans and hangs his head.

Giggling, I close the door and lean against it in a daze of body tingles and hard-ons, when something furry brushes my leg.

“Hi, Sash,” I say, as if she knows why I’m smiling.

She barks.

“Yes, I had a great time. Thanks for asking.”

Joy dances around me, and I want to sing to the tune, to believe in Will and give him a chance. I haven’t felt this… this uplifted in a long time, and I like it. But how can I trust a guy who acts and speaks like he does, a guy I don’t know? And do I really want to get to know him, only to be disappointed and have my faith in men shattered all over again?

Sighing, I make my way toward my bedroom, when I see small bits of white litter the hallway. “What the…?” I move closer, squat, and pick one up, thinking at first that it’s a cottonwool ball.

Following the trail, I steer into Carly’s bedroom and am hit by what can only be described as a winter wonderland. The stuffing of Carly’s pillows is strewn across the bed and floor.

“Oh my God!” My hands fly up to cover my mouth. “Sasha, what have you done?”

She barks, sits, and wags her tail, happy with her artwork.

“Oh, baby girl. You’re in deeeeep shit when Mummy gets home.”

A piece of pillow stuffing floats into the air. I blow it away then laugh, because I’m not cleaning this shit up.

I’m in too good of a mood to do anything but go to bed and dream about misty blue eyes and a devilish grin.