Her lips tilted up as together they studied the mess that was her room. Clothes, makeup, shoes, books, you name it—there was stuff everywhere. Nothing was hanging or in drawers; all of it was on chairs or the floor.
“I run the free-range floor system. I find it’s easier to locate what I need.”
“You’re a slob,” he repeated, looking back at her.
Her lips were soft. In that moment, absolutely nothing or no one could have stopped him kissing her. Lowering his head slowly, he gave Faith time to stop him. She didn’t.
He’d loved kissing her years ago. But then he’d been inexperienced and still finding his way around a woman’s body. Now it was different. They both knew how these particular parts of their anatomy worked.
Her mouth was sinful, lips soft and willing. Ryan wrapped his hands around her upper arms and pulled her closer, pressing that lovely body into his.
He was hard and urgent for her in seconds. Not much aroused Ryan these days, but Faith did. He was jaded, having experienced more than he should have. But suddenly he felt like an inexperienced youth.
Her arms went around his neck, her fingers into his hair, and he lost all sense of anything but the woman in his arms. Her thighs widened, and he leaned into her.
“I could kiss you all night,” he whispered against her lips.
“I could let you.” But she eased out of his arms. “But I have to work, and this is not a good idea.”
“Feels like a good one.”
“That’s your other head talking.” She managed a smile. “I don’t do that, Ryan.”
“That?”
“One-night stands. Sleep with a man when it can never be more than a fling. I’ve had my share, and they don’t make me feel good.”
He didn’t speak, just watched her.
“Look, that may be your world, but it’s not mine.”
“My world?” He regained his feet, and she followed.
“You know what I mean,” she said, crossing her arms over her lovely breasts.
“So, because I am a member of a successful band, I’m therefore into the drugs, alcohol, and sleeping-around scene?” He kept his words calm, but inside he was beginning to boil. People were always judging him. “Hell of a generalization you got going on there, sweetheart.”
“That’s not what I meant.” She sounded testy.
“Then explain to me what you meant.”
“I’m not big league like you. I don’t have people throwing themselves at me. I don’t have my pick of parties or men.”
“To be fair, I don’t have my pick of men either.”
She opened her mouth, but he held up a hand.
“Let’s get something straight here, Faith. I kissed you because I wanted to. I’m not apologizing for something that felt good.”
Her mouth opened again.
“Not finished,” he added. “I may live in LA, be famous, and the rest that goes with that, but don’t think to stereotype me because of things you’ve heard or read in the news.”
“Can I speak now?” she snapped.
“I don’t think so, because whatever comes out of those sweet lips will just piss me off, and as I’m about to meet my sister, man, and mother, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He turned and walked away from her without another word, leaving her seething with the need to speak.