That’s sweet but… “I’ve already waited forever. So if you’re suggesting we wait longer, that will make me very unhappy.” But what about him? “Unless you need time to get used to the idea that I’m more than your friend and—”
“I don’t. I’m down with it. All I want is you, preferably naked and smiling.”
A wave of heat washes over me as I nod. “Then hurry.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He plows through the buttons on the front of my dress, his fingers a rapid-fire blur as he starts at my cleavage and doesn’t stop until the fastenings end at my waist.
The two sides of my bodice part, and he peels them away from my body. Since I’m not wearing a bra, my breasts bounce free. My erect nipples point straight at him, silently begging for his touch.
He groans long and low. “Oh, fuck.”
My cheeks heat with giddy excitement. “They’re not new. You saw them last night.”
“Because you dropped your dress for me. Today, I’m unwrapping you like the special gift you are.” He cradles one of my breasts in his big palm, sliding his thumb over the tip, pinging desire through my body. “You’re even more beautiful tonight.”
That compliment shouldn’t melt me, but I close my eyes, savor his touch, and give myself over to him. “You don’t know how many times I’ve imagined you doing this to me.”
“Tell me,” he breathes on my neck.
I shiver. My ache grows. “So many it’s embarrassing.”
His sexy groan rumbles against my ear. “I love hearing that you touched yourself to thoughts of me. Next time you start fantasizing, whisper every tiny, dirty detail to me. I’ll give you everything you want—anytime, anywhere, and any way you want it.”
My breath hitches. Is he trying to steal my sanity before I give him my virginity?
“Take off your shirt.” I grab at his tee and yank it impatiently up his torso.
Hayes helps me along, sitting up and reaching behind his neck to jerk the garment over his head. When he tosses it across the room, I gasp.
I’ve seen his naked torso dozens of times—at the pool, at the soccer pitch, hanging out while watching movies…last night when I had my mouth on his cock. Knowing I can touch him right now and that he’ll welcome my fingers on his skin? Knowing he’s mine? It’s a fantasy come true.
Suddenly, I can’t keep my hands off my best friend’s body. I skim my fingertips over his wide shoulders, tracing their hard curves before setting my palms on the solid bulges of his pecs. His exhalations turn rougher when I drag my thumbs across his nipples the way he did to mine. Then he closes his eyes, frowning like he’s fighting to restrain the urge to climb all over me.
I flit my lips up his strong neck, lingering over his thudding pulse, and guide his hands back to my breasts. “Don’t hold back for me.”
“Echo, I’m trying to take this slow. You’re killing my good intentions.”
“Glad to hear it.” I gather my too-short skirt in my hands and tug it up.
Xavian insisted these dresses make my legs look amazing. I’ve felt self-conscious wearing flounces and ruffles that end a scant couple of inches below my underwear, but seeing Hayes visually devour me and being with him here now… It’s been worth it.
I yank the dress over my head and fling it across the room. That leaves me wearing only a tiny pair of blush pink panties, held up by a ridiculously thin strip of lace clinging to each hip. Hayes’s stare climbs up my thighs, traces those bands of lace, before grazing the indention of my waist, dipping to my belly button…then dropping to focus between my legs. His eyes narrow and darken.
The front panel of these nearly nonexistent panties is completely see-through. It clings wetly to my bare, Xavian-swore-Hayes-would-love-it-waxed pussy. Hayes’s hot stare tells me Xavian was right.
My pulse jumps. My womb clenches. My ache sharpens. His cock swells, getting even harder. He swallows like he’s digging even deeper for control.
“Echo.” He murmurs my name like a benediction. “Damn, you’re beautiful.”
I pull the pins from my hair, and the heavy bun coiled on top of my head falls loose and free, the ends curling under my elbows and brushing the ticklish skin just above my panties. “You make me feel that way.”
Hayes thrusts his fingers into my hair and fists the strands, using his grip to pull me in for a kiss. The instant our mouths merge and our bare chests meet, I melt against him, clutching him tighter with a groan and losing myself in the moment. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of—and more. In my forbidden thoughts, Hayes merely wanted me. But knowing he loves me, too? I can’t wait to give him my all.
I open wider and take more of his kiss. He tosses me onto my back and rolls on top of me, sliding his hips between my legs and rocking against me. I swoon. God, I want him more than I thought I could ever want any man.