Page 35 of Igniting Sparks

Braden thinks I’m perfect, just as I am.

I hook the hem of his shirt, nudging it upward until he pulls it over his head. And unlike earlier today, I let myselflook—really look—at him, drinking in every inch the same way he’s drinking me in.

My fingers glide across his chest, the coarse hair tickling my palms in the most delightful way

I want to explore every inch of him, because I know he’s this beautifuleverywhere.

Braden leans forward, kissing a path down my neck, each press of his mouth igniting a trail of sparks along my skin.

He finds the clasp of my bra and unfastens it with one hand, his thumbs sweeping over my nipples in a slow, tantalizing rhythm.

I moan, my body trembling as his mouth captures mine again.

The man is all hands, and I’m already unraveling under his touch.

“Tell me what you want,” he breathes against my mouth, nipping at my lower lip. “Tell me how you want me to touch you.”

My lips part, ready to answer, but nothing comes out.

I’ve never done this before. At least, not likethis. Not with this level of emotion or desire.

No, my one sad sexual experience consisted of approximately two minutes of awkward thrusting and ended with me wondering why sex was such a big damn deal.

Hell, I’ve never even had oral sex—though I’m fairly certain Braden is a master, if his kisses are anything to go by.

And if anyone could show me how incredible sexshouldfeel, it’s him.

But what if it freaks him out?

Braden clocks my hesitation and pulls back, his eyes narrowing with concern. “You okay?”

I manage a nod, but words continue to elude me.

He straightens, his hands dropping to wrap around my hips. “You sure? I don’t want to do anything except make you feel good.”

Those words are a balm to my nervous soul. He wants to take care of me. And God, I want to return the favor.

Maybe this won’t be such a big deal.

Snapping out of my daze, I smile and wrap my arms around his neck. “You are incredible. I’m just… not very good at this.”

A small grin curves across his lips. “I’m fairly sure you’re amazing, and I can’t wait to find out.”

Okay, maybe thiswillbe a bigger deal than I thought.

“Trust me, I’m not.” I shake my head, biting my lip as I shift slightly in his lap, the intensity between us suddenly too much.

Braden holds up his hands slightly, backing them away from my body, his brow furrowed. “Wait a second. Are you a?—?”

“A virgin?” I cut him off before he can finish, desperate not to lose the moment. “No. I’m not.”

He exhales, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Just wanted to ask.”

“I’ve had sex once.”

Apparently once isn’t enough, because shock rolls across Braden’s face like I just confessed to being an alien. “You mean one guy or one… time?”

“Both.” My voice squeaks out the word, my stomach a coil of knotted nerves. “We only had sex one time. And uh, it was pretty terrible. So, I didn’t want to do it again. Didn’t understand what the hype was about. But with you, I get it, because you’re amazing, and I want yousomuch. I want you to… teach me.”