“I should get back to work.” He grabbed her hand and turned her around. He pulled her close.
“Do you feel it? Are you attracted to me and to my brothers?”
“Monroe, this isn’t a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re going to possibly do business together. I don’t want there to be a conflict of interest when things don’t work out.”
“You sound so sure that things couldn’t work out on a personal and business level. I’m more optimistic, baby,” he said and smiled softly.
“I’m more of a pessimist when it comes to men making promises.” She pulled back but he pulled her closer, making her gasp.
This close to him, inhaling his cologne, seeing that intense look in his eyes as she stared way up toward his firm expression did a number on her body.
“Real men don’t hurt women and make promises they can’t keep. I get the feeling someone hurt you. But I’m not him, nor are my brothers.”
He was so serious and intense. She didn’t want to face this right now. This was what she was afraid of. She looked way.
“Please, Monroe, don’t say such things to me. It will make matters worse.”
“How so when we’re both feeling this attraction?” he asked.
“It won’t work out. Not with having a business relationship.”
“You don’t know that. Besides, we want to support you, help you in achieving your goals and dreams because that’s what good men do for their women.”
“But I’m not your woman,” she said, her voice cracking.
He smiled softly.
“Oh, we’re working on it, but you’re resistant. Why?”
She took a deep breath. How could she think with him holding her in his arms and up against his solid, muscular chest? His cologne was invading her senses and making her lose her focus and thought.
“Can you release me? I can’t think like this.”
“Good, maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe you’re overthinking this and letting go and just feeling could help you see we’re for real?”
She began to shake her head and he cupped her face between his hands and held her gaze.
“Ah hell.” He sounded so frustrated and emotional but before she could stop him Monroe kissed her deeply, sending her from a mindful state to a lustful one in no time at all.
She could feel his thigh press between her legs then his hand move down her hip over her ass, pulling her snugger against him. She in return couldn’t resist touching him, feeling every inch she could touch with her hands. He devoured her moans, explored her mouth thoroughly with his tongue while he used his hands to explore her body. She felt faint, aroused, ready to burst with pleasure, and it scared her. No one ever made her feel this way from kisses alone.
She tried pulling back but he wouldn’t allow it. She felt her body being lifted and then her ass gently hit the granite countertop of the island in the cabana.
He pressed his body between her thighs, causing her skirt to part and his crotch to press snug against her sensitive mound. She wiggled and rocked and he countered against her crotch and she could feel his hard erection. He cupped her breast and she moaned deeper then pulled back.
“Monroe. Oh God, Monroe,” she said his name and pressed her palms against his chest as she tried to catch her breath.
He kissed along her throat, her chin, and then her neck. She tilted it upward, loving the feel of his firm, masculine lips against her sensitive flesh. He pulled her thighs around his waist and caressed his palms up her calves and thighs then to her hips until he cupped her breasts with both hands.
“My God you taste and feel incredible.”
She felt the tears in her eyes. So instantly she wanted so much more than she could allow. She couldn’t let her guard down. She would get hurt again and this time would be worse than before because there were three men who could ruin her completely. It was so crazy to think of Caldwell and Max right now after what she just shared with Monroe, but she did. She felt it and understood that they came as a package. As one.
“Please, Monroe, we have to stop. We shouldn’t have done this.”