"You're acting as if I bite."
"When you touch me, I can't think straight."
"Fine, I won't touch you."
"And stay out of my head. You did promise."
"That was yesterday. The statute of limitations is up."
She rolled her eyes. “Don't be ridiculous."
"I won't let you walk out of my life. Not without a fight.” This time when he moved forward, she didn't try to evade him. He kept his hands at his sides and growled, “Fair warning, love, I fight dirty."
She crossed her arms over her chest, making Gideon aware she wasn't wearing a bra. Christ, trying to hide breasts as bountiful as hers was an act in futility.
"Too late, Tarzan, I already called my sister."
She addressed him as if he were an unruly student, which only served to turn him on. Every little thing she did turned him on. “Then she'll be disappointed she made the trip for nothing because you aren't leaving."
"Good gravy, you can't just decide to keep me, Gideon. I'm not one of your statues."
Gideon shook his head. “Good gravy? For an English teacher you sure do have a rather unique vocabulary."
She edged back the slightest bit. She was aroused. He'd been in a constant state of readiness since he'd seen her.
"I'm forever trying to come up with ways to keep from cursing. I wouldn't make a very good role-model for my students if I'm cursing left and right, now would I? Although, you make it difficult, I'll admit."
"Don't leave,” he murmured.
She started to protest, but Gideon stopped her with his finger to her open lips. He leaned down and cupped her chin in the palm of his hand, then pressed his mouth to hers, savoring her tiny whimpers. He licked the soft plumpness of her lips and drifted his hand down to cup her breast. She shuddered and he was lost. Gideon was edgy and restless. He wanted to devour, to take what he wanted. To make her scream in pleasure and pray it'd be enough to keep her with him.
His tongue delved into her mouth and played with hers, teasing and tempting, driving them both mad. He heard something drop to the floor; then Lori flung her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, pushing against him in a desperate bid for more.
One taste, one touch, and Gideon was on fire. What was wrong with him? Suddenly it was clear as day. Being with Lori had made him feel whole. She turned his cold house into a home. He'd never wanted a woman living with him, but he could easily imagine it with Lori. Waking her every morning with kisses, listening to her talk about her day in the evenings. He wanted it all, and he was going to start by driving her exquisite body wild with pleasure. He wanted to see her jade green eyes drift closed in dreamy satisfaction. Knowing what her wrinkled dress concealed was too much temptation to ignore.
He was determined to prove to her the difference between the tepid, half-hearted relationship she'd had with Rick-the-dick, and the hot, soul-deep relationship they could share if she only gave him a chance.
Afterwards, if she still wanted to leave, he'd have to find a way to let her go.
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Chapter Eleven
Lori pulled back, breathless, chest heaving. “I-I can't do this, Gideon."
"Yes. You can, dammit.” He let her pull away, but only because he had other plans. Stealing kisses was exciting, but if he wanted to drive her mindless with pleasure, it would take more than locking lips.
Gideon looked down at her bent head and knew her mind was in turmoil. He could only guess at that because she was trying hard to block him. It infuriated him even as he admired the strength of her will. She wasn't a woman he could control and dominate, not unless it was what she wanted.
Gideon titled her head back and forced her to look at him. “You can't tell me you don't want me,” he said gently. “I won't believe you. Even with you blocking me out, I can see it in the way your body responds to me.” He held her gaze as he slowly lowered himself to his knees in front of her. Her eyes rounded, and there was a fire he hadn't seen in them. “Before you leave I want one last taste.” She started to protest. He could see the way her cheeks bloomed pink at his erotic words. In the bright light of day, she was becoming embarrassed and overwhelmed all over again.
"You wouldn't deny me this last request, would you, love?” Gideon grabbed handfuls of her dress and tugged it upward, slowly exposing the lower half of her body. She licked her lips and moaned his name. With her lower half uncovered, he could see her black satin panties. They were delicate and feminine, like her, but they were in his way. He took hold of them in both hands and yanked, easily tearing them in two. Lori yelped.
"I'll buy a new pair,” he promised. “Hell, fifty new pair."
Gideon tossed them aside and stared at her glistening mound. Her soft curls were damp with arousal. He was suddenly starved for her.
"You're so goddamn sexy. Sexy and wet and ready."