Could a person die from pleasure? She suspected she was about to find out. But if she was going to die, she might as well take Warren with her. Ruth reached for him, but before she could do little more than wrap a hand around him, he pulled away. She opened her eyes and watched him get off the bed.
“Be right back.”
Confused, she almost protested. Ruth watched Warren grab his wallet from the pants he’d discarded on the floor. When he grabbed something from inside the wallet and tossed it on the nightstand, a light bulb went on inside her head.
Thank goodness Warren’s brain still worked. A condom hadn’t occurred to her. Someday she wanted kids, but not now; protection was a must tonight.
Warren’s mouth came down on hers hard and hot as he positioned himself over her. She considered telling him she’d never had sex but never got the chance. He joined their bodies, and all thoughts stopped. Only pleasure remained.
***
“Stay here tonight.” Warren propped himself on an elbow. He had no idea what time it was and didn’t care. All that mattered was keeping Ruth in his arms as long as possible.
“Is that a good idea?”
He reached out and ran his hand through her dark hair. “Why wouldn’t it be?” His hand trailed down her arm.
“This is your parents’ house and there are employees around. What if they say something to them?”
“No one will say anything to my parents,” Warren kissed her, “or anyone else.” He pulled down the blankets, uncovering her breasts, and teased her nipple with his fingers. Ruth’s eyes drifted shut, and she smiled.
“Are you trying to influence my decision?”
“Is it working? If not I know a lot of persuasive techniques.”
Ruth’s eyes popped open. “You don’t play fair.”
“When it’s something I want, I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.” He continued to fondle one breast while he took her other nipple in his mouth.
Her fingers dug into his hair as she moaned. “You win. I’ll stay.”
He pulled his mouth away. “You won’t regret it.” Before she could answer, he kissed her and set out to fulfill his statement.
Chapter 7
“I wish I didn’t have to go back tonight.” Warren wrapped a second blanket around them as they sat on his private balcony watching the sunset. They’d spent the night before and all day at the mansion. But it was getting late, and he had classes in the morning.
“Me, too.” She snuggled closer to him. “Let’s not talk about that right now.”
“Fair enough.” He squeezed her. “What should we talk about?”
“Depends. If I ask you something will you answer me truthfully?”
Cautiously he answered, “Yes.”
“When did you realize you loved me?”
“Does it matter?”
Ruth tilted her head and studied him. “I guess not, but I’m curious.”
“That morning when you found me on the beach.” Already he could guess her next question.
A faint smile appeared on her face. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Just as quickly as her smiled appeared, it vanished. “You started dating what’s her name right after that, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t say anything because we were friends.” He watched the waves crash on the shore. “I figured if I said something it could ruin our friendship. Then I met Beatrice in Boston. My family liked her, so I thought I’d see where things went.”
“That makes sense I guess.”