Page 50 of Jessica's Hero

Because I want to do the right thing. Because Jess isn’t some random hookup.

“I just thought,” Jess continues softly, “if we both wanted it, maybe…” She pauses to gnaw on her lower lip. “But if you don’t, that’s okay, too.”

Shit.

The last thing I want is for Jess to think Idon’twant her.

Still. She’s dealing with so much. Would it be taking advantage? I know I’m pushy about some things, but sex isn’t one of them. I may fantasize about all the things I’d like to do with Jess, but in truth, I’m in no hurry. I’ll wait however long it takes for her to be ready.

“I want you,” I reply carefully. “You must know I do. But that’s not what this date is about. I didn’t plan it with any intentions?—”

“I know you didn’t.” Jess lifts her chin. “You’re not like that, Kane. I just… I’ve been thinking about it. For a while, really.”

My erection jumps again. “Have you?”

“Yes. Since… before we started dating.”

“Really?” My voice dips. “For how long?”

Pink suffuses her cheeks. “Since I saw you at the car wash last summer.”

The car wash?

A beat later, it hits.

Oh. The charity car wash. I remember Jess coming through with her little hatchback, waiting patiently for her turn, paying double for the wash because, as she said, “It’s for charity, isn’t it?”

She wanted me back then?

My hand moves to the swell of her ass, cupping hersweet curves. Then I drag her against me so she can feel my arousal jutting into her belly. “I’ve been fantasizing about you ever since the Halloween Festival. You were drinking a beer, and you had this bit of foam right here—” I kiss her upper lip, letting my tongue trail across it. “And I wanted to kiss it off so badly.”

“You did?”

I kiss her again, this time for longer. “I did.”

Jess works her fingers beneath my waistband. My abs tense. Need pulses; hard and insistent. “So,” she starts in a throaty voice, “we both wanted each other. Months ago.”

“I guess we did.”

“So… it wouldn’t be weird then. If we…”

“Jess. Are you sure? Because I’m not in a hurry. We can just have dinner like I planned. Watch a movie while I give you a massage. Kiss. Sex doesn’t have to be a part of it.”

“What if I want it to be?” She unfastens the button at my waist and slides the zipper down. “What if I want you? What if I’ve been thinking about seeing you naked all week? Imagining my hand wrapping around you?—”

My lungs stall as her fingers wrap around me, cool against my heated skin.

“Jess,” I grit out. “Are you?—”

“I’m sure.” With her free hand, she holds onto my shoulder for balance, stretching up to cover my mouth with hers. “I know you’re being careful with me. But, Kane. I haven’t wanted this in… a very long time. But with you? I’m sure.”

Fuck.

How can I say no? Especially when my body is begging me to say yes? When I want this more than anything?

I’m not saying no.

“Yes,” I growl. Then I lift Jess into my arms, koala-style, and she wraps her legs around my waist.