“She didn’t do anything wrong.”
He turns his body toward me and gestures for me to come closer. Obeying, I move out from under the covers and kneel a couple of inches away from him.
“Closer,” he murmurs. I move until my knees press against the side of his thigh, then he smiles. “That’s better.” His eyes drift over my face. “I’ve been busy the past week, so I couldn’t check in on you. How are you feeling?”
“About?”
“Everything.”
I shrug, just happy that I can have a conversation with him. “I’m fine.”
Gabriel tilts his head, his eyes sharpening on me. “Have you thought more about how you feel about me?”
I nod, then lower my eyes as I admit, “I still like you.”
“How much?”
How do I explain that to him?
I take a deep breath as I try to gather my thoughts. “I think about you all the time.” Like ALL the time.
A pleased smile forms on his face. “What kind of thoughts?”
My cheeks flush, and I glance down at my hands. Gabriel takes hold of one and brushes his thumb over the back of mine. “You can tell me anything.”
I lift my head, meeting his gaze. “I think about what happened by the pool. You really look good without a shirt on.”
A chuckle rumbles from his chest. “Glad to know you like what you see.”
“Very much.”
Our eyes lock again, then he asks, “Have you been kissed, Lara?”
I shake my head, nerves starting to spin in my stomach.
“Do you want me to kiss you?”
Without a doubt. “Yes.”
He nods but doesn’t make a move. Instead, he gets up and pulls me off the bed. When I’m standing in front of him, he lets go of my hand.
“Close your eyes.”
I obey him and don’t have time to wonder what he’s doing because his hands frame my face right before I feel his breath on my lips.
My heart explodes in my chest, my stomach fluttering like crazy.
Gabriel brushes his lips over mine, once, twice, then he lifts his head. Stunned by how intense a three-second kiss felt, I watch as his eyes drift over my face.
Then he chuckles, “Breathe, Lara. I can’t have you pass out before kissing you thoroughly.”
I fill my lungs with air, the anticipation making me feel overwhelmed.
His thumb brushes over my cheek, the expression in his eyes both predatory and tender. Again, he closes the distance between us, and this time when his mouth meets mine, he doesn’t just brush his lips over mine. His tongue licks at the seam of my mouth, then he demands, “Let me in.”
I part my lips, and the moment his tongue strokes hard against mine, it feels like I’m leaving my body and floating on clouds.
Chapter 28
Gabriel
The purest sweetness bursts over my tongue, and I lose all rational thinking, devouring Lara until she’s gasping for air.
My tongue flicks and strokes against hers, and I inhale her breaths. My teeth ravish her lips until they’re swollen.
I’m on a fucking high because I have total control.
Catching myself before I move too fast and traumatize her more than she already is, I break the kiss and press my face against her neck. “Jesus,” I mutter, my own breaths racing from me. “You’re going to drive me insane.”
Lara’s chest rises and falls against mine, the swells of her breasts drawing my attention and making me harden even more.
Lifting my head, I look down at her flushed face, swollen lips, and eyes filled with wonder.
Like the fucking caveman I am, I ask, “How was your first kiss?”
“Perfect.”
My chest swells with pride, and I brush a thumb over her pink cheek. “Everything you hoped for?”
“So much more.” Lowering my arm, I take hold of her hand and press her palm over my chest. “You can touch me.”
She nods, her eyes still shining like stars.
Tilting my head, I stare at her. “You’ve bewitched me with your innocence.”
Her mouth curves up. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything.”
“Do you like me too?”
“I wouldn’t have kissed you if it weren’t the case.”
Relief washes over her features. I hadn’t realized it was something she worried about. I obviously haven’t been clear about my own feelings. I’ve never been much of a talker and more of a watcher.
My eyes caress her face. “You’ve gotten under my skin, Lara Nowak. I don’t know when or how it happened, but I’d like to see where this goes.”
Confusion flutters over her face. “What do you mean?”
Lifting my hand, I tuck a couple of silky strands behind her ear. “There are no rules. Let’s just enjoy whatever this is.”
“Okay.”
Needing to have this discussion with her, I ask, “Are you on the pill?”
She shakes her head.
“Do you want to start a form of contraceptive, or will I be using a condom?”
Her cheeks flame up, her eyes filling with shock because of the direct question she clearly wasn’t expecting.