“Survivor’s guilt, I understand it. Felt it more than once. When the guy on the same run takes one and is never the same and I wonder what’s so special about me? Then I start thinking I have to live on and be something great, push harder to make up for the break fate gave me.”
“Yes. He only asked me one thing, to live my life. I try to honor that wish as much as possible.”
“Is that why the makeover?” He nodded toward her.
“It’s how I’ve always felt on the inside. Like I got lost in a time vortex and ended in the wrong time. Only, my parents didn’t approve, so I didn’t. I did a lot of that when I was younger. Putting my wants off for others.”
“And now?” His fingers traced her jaw line. Heat blossomed in her cheeks. She loved the deep timber of his voice. Her eyelids fluttered down.
“Now I live for me.”
“Good, life’s too short to do otherwise, and you’ve got the whole word at your fingertips.” The feather soft touches continued to relax and arouse her. He moved down to her neck to trace her collarbone.
“Quinn.” Was that her voice all wibbly wobbly and breathless?
“I think it’s past time you call me Kelly.” The distance she desperately clung to disintegrated with her next word.
“Kelly.”
“I like how it sounds on your tongue.” His breath caressed her face. The scent of minty toothpaste and masculine body soap teased her senses. Her nose twitched like a rabbit’s, and her heart pounded like a drum. Her muscles tensed as every part of her being awaited his next move. His lips pressed against hers. A shock of current lit up her nerves. Kelly Quinn does not disappoint. Scruff scraped her
sensitive skin. She moaned, savoring the delicious sensation. He took advantage of her open mouth, slipped his tongue inside and explored her. His kisses were like him, firm, demanding, and in total control. She yielded, going boneless.
The heat that rolled of his body seared her flesh.
“Can I touch you?” he whispered against her lips. He pulled back with passion-glazed eyes that made her whimper.
“Please.” She brought her hands up against his chest. The steady heartbeat comforted her, just like the man himself. “You make me feel … it’s been so long.”
“It’s a two way street, sweetheart.” His gruff tone washed over her, stroked parts long untouched. Her center moistened and gave way to a flow of nectar. He trailed his hands down her arms, leaving chill bumps in his wake. She caressed his firm chest, moved her hands up to stroke his chin and into the thick, silk of his dark hair. He scooted back onto the couch and pulled her into his lap with her legs on either side of him. His hardness pressed up against her. She tensed.
“No pressure, C. No expectations, just us.” He massaged her lower back.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, closed her eyes when his lips met hers once more. His massage moved up her back, and his kisses drugged her. She felt warm, protected, and safe. Their kisses tapered off, and he moved her head to rest against his shoulder.
“I should get off you.”
“No, you should stay exactly where you are.” His chest rumbled. Exhaustion delivered its deathblow, and she found herself surrendering to sleep.
“Wrap your legs around me.”
She did as he requested. He stood, held her close, and supported her weight. The bed met her back. Her heavy limbs fell onto the bed.
“Sweet dreams, C.”
“No.” She reached out to grab his wife beater with the last of her strength. “Don’t go.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The bed dipped beneath his weight. He lay down beside her and pulled her body to his, front to back. For the first time in longer than she could remember, she rested.
****
Sunlight spilled through the window in the guest room to turn Claire into a Grecian goddess. Her skin was flawless, and her hair shone like dark silk. I should leave now. She wanted him to stay that night, and he had. The thought of her waking up and feeling abandoned or ashamed kept him in place. They’d broken a bevy of rules last night, but the feel of her pressed up against him, and the absolute trust that shone in her eyes, made it all worth it. He caressed her face with the back of his hand.
“Mhmm.” She opened her eyes and squinted.