He stepped forward and with the gentlest of touches, scooped her up. He lowered her to the bed then crawled beside her. She trembled with eagerness. Slowly and ever so sensuously, he kissed her cheek, her jaw, the side of her mouth. Her eyes closed as she swam in breathtaking wonder. Enjoying this perfect man making love to her, and feeling like a woman being cherished more than she ever thought possible.
He laced his fingers with hers and raised her arms above her head. He did not rush, but blazed a fiery trail with his mouth and tongue. Sensations bombarded her, from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. He circled her breasts with his tongue and a series of open mouth kisses, carefully avoiding her nipples, prolonging her torture. She didn’t think she could take anymore when he finally latched onto one pebble and suckled. The scalding heat of his mouth on her breast flooded her insides, scampered through her veins and settled in a sweltering pool in her womb. When he paid homage to her other breast, cool air tickled her skin where his lips and mouth had been.
His teeth scraped, sparking a rush of tingling hunger. She stretched and arched and silently begged for more. Her mind kept chanting Mike, Mike, Mike. His fingers slid down over her rib cage to her navel, caressing her belly. She held her breath. As his hand drifted lower, she bit her lip, but could no longer hold back a moan.
He whispered in her ear. “You’re mine.” At the same time, he pushed his finger inside, as if staking his claim. Her shriek turned into a gasp as his hungry mouth covered hers in a hot, fierce kiss.
He inserted another finger, stroking her core, melting her bones, bringing her to erotic heights. She opened her legs wider and writhed under his ministrations. He rubbed her harder and increased the rhythm until a tidal wave stormed her, roaring through her veins. Every nerve she had exploded, shattering her wits. Reeling her into mindless ecstasy.
Abruptly, Mike’s erection replaced his fingers. Gripping her bottom, he thrust, filling her completely. Giving her exactly what she needed. He threw back his head, the veins protruding in his neck, and gave a hoarse shout.
“Don’t move. Just let me feel myself inside you for a moment.”
Overwhelming pleasure engulfed her. She couldn’t help it. She squeezed.
“Holy hell, woman.” He shifted his hips and plunged deeper. His groan of satisfaction pricked her heart.
He caught her mouth with crazed urgency. Then he took her with a passion bordering on madness. She wrapped her legs around his waist, meeting his every thrust.
Her body tightened and quivered and she could do nothing but hold on.
Hold him.
Forever.
His nostrils flared and he released a guttural groan. He annihilated her, crushed her heart with a love so fierce she wondered if he felt it. She clung to him, love filling her to bursting.
Joy pierced her soul. This strong, colossal, powerful, gentle, tender, sensual man had robbed her of her senses. Made her body a pool of Jello and had given her the most sensational experience of her life.
She loved him.
***
Cassie’s heart beat steady against his. Reminding Mike he still lived and breathed. In the blink of an eye, one’s life could be over. And his life would be over if he lost Cassie.
He still couldn’t believe how close he’d come to death. If the bullet had been a fraction of an inch over … He didn’t need to think about what might have been.
Cassie all nestled up to him made life perfect. It didn’t get any better than this.
He closed his eyes in exhaustion, which was to be expected since the meds were probably kicking in. He could use this to his advantage. Confess his feelings in his groggy state and deny everything tomorrow.
Shit.
If yesterday had taught him anything, he would not let another day, or night, go by without telling Cassie of his love. The idea of life without her brought reality crushing down on him.
I love you.
Say it. Just say it.
“Mike?”
“Hmmm?” His voice thick with his thoughts.
She snuggled deeper into his embrace.
“God, you feel good.” His hand drifted to her rump and squeezed.
“I love you.”