Page 108 of Consumed By You

“There,” he says softly, caressing the curve of my waist. I never break eye contact with him, wanting him so much I can barely move. This man could lay one finger on me and I could be ready for him.

“Thanks.”

“Seeing you with him should discourage me,” he says, his mouth dangerously close to mine.

“It doesn’t?”

His head shakes passionately. “No.”

“It should.”

“I know he can’t make you come like I can.” His fingers are traveling up my arms, causing goose bumps to form over my skin. “I could see it when you were looking at him…you don’t want him.”

“You don’t know that.”

“You’re staring at my lips.”

“You’re such a cocky, conceited—”

“I’m staring at yours too, Darcy. I’malwaysstaring at yours.”

His moves his thumb slowly along my bottom lip, parting the skin.

Luke could walk in any minute.

“I dream of you.”

“What?”

“You’re always happy, so happy. So am I.” Beneath the mask, I see a sad, lonely man.

“Why do you say these things to me?” I glare at him accusingly.

“What?”

“Every word that leaves your mouth, Benjamin, is trying to assure me that you love me, whether you know it or not. I don’t know why you can’t admit it. I don’t know what made you change your mind after four months, and I’m not going to try and figure it out either.” I ease him away and hop down onto the floor. My knees are shaking, my bones weakened by arousal.

“You’re wasting your time with him. I could make you so much happier, Darcy.”

“I know you could.”

I leave him behind and enter the dining room again.

“Present time!” Kevin exclaims. “Sit!”

He forces me into a chair. I smile briefly at Luke and he smiles back. Good, he’s not mad.

***

“You already know what I got you,” Luke says when Kevin hands me his bag.

“What was it?” Danielle asks, peeking into it.

“A candle,” Luke says.

Everyone ended up giving me small but multiple gifts, and as each present was opened, he became visibly more and more uncomfortable.

“It’s a great gift,” I reassure him, touching his arm briefly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Benjamin shift uncomfortably in his seat. The candle is a Christmas scent and I say, “Christmas is my favorite season. There is nothing like holiday scents.”