“My brain went to all kinds of carnal places on that one.” He shook his head again, but this time, it seemed to be a gesture of regret. “I tried to rein in my imagination in the same way I held still for you, but I guess some of what I was thinking registered in my face.”
“Oh.” I tried to put that together. I’d said he tasted good. In turn, he’d thought... “Oh.”
I got it now. His expression hadn’t been disappointed. Or frustrated because I didn’t know what I was doing, or because I wasn’t my sister. He just wanted more. Of me.
He wanted really sexy things from me.
“Yeah. Oh.” He cleared his throat. “And that was just a stray, crazy, hot thing I was thinking about you, because I could think hot things about you 24/7 and still wake up wanting more.”
“Okay.” I nodded, more wild about this man than ever. What kind of magic did he possess to banish that whole storm of negative thoughts that had been about to slam over me? “Things are getting interesting, aren’t they? I like hearing that...you know...you want me.”
I pulled off my sweater in a move that had Damien’s undivided attention. It stuck on my forehead a little, but he helped tug it off and over, his attention...fixed. Heated. I didn’t even think about my body or bother to be self-conscious.
I was back in the Sexy Zone.
“Will you come lie down?” I asked, taking his hand.
There was a monstrous leather sectional at the far end of the room that looked like it could accommodate six grown men without them touching, so I figured it would work for us.
Dusk was falling fast outside, the purple light filtering in and making the candlelight seem brighter as I led him toward the corner.
“Want me to undress?” he asked hopefully, as he took a seat on the couch, the brick-red leather softly squeaking.
“I’m doing all the undressing here.” Just this once, I needed to be in charge. I hadn’t realized it until I started this little game of sexual dictatorship, but I was loving the power trip. Loving that he indulged me. “First I go. Then I’ll do you.”
He groaned as if this would be a unique brand of torment, but I was too busy unclasping my bra to pay attention. I wasn’t smooth about it, but somehow I unhooked the back with fingers that trembled. Slowly, I edged the straps off my shoulders, my touch lingering over smooth skin, senses ultra-aware. Shivers raced up my arms, my nails lightly grazing the sensitive back of one and then the other as I unwound myself from lace and satin.
Breasts beading even though the room was warm, I made a halfhearted attempt to cover myself. Not that I was embarrassed about my body—I’d conquered those old evils long ago. But I wanted his attention on what was going to be unveiled next.
Instead, his gaze snapped up to mine.
“Thank you.” The fierceness in his voice made me wonder how I’d earned the gratitude. Now, of all times.
“For what?” My fingers paused over the button of my jeans.
“I wanted to do something nice for you today, and instead, you’re giving me...” His eyes burned me like a candle flame. “...something so much better.”
My heart turned over in my chest.
“You’re an easy man to please.” I cupped his face, savoring the warmth of his jaw, the rough feel of five o’clock shadow.
I didn’t want to ever leave this place. Not Fraser Farm. Not this office. Not this moment. Even the thrill of sexual dominance didn’t compare with the soul-deep connection I felt to this man right now.
* * *
DAMIEN FELL FOR HER.
Hard.
He could feel himself going over the edge, and couldn’t do a thing to stop it even though he knew Miranda Cortland could vanish out of his life as quickly as she’d charged into it. She was so damn vivid, so bright, so too-good-to-be-true, he half wondered if he’d dreamed her.
“Is it my turn yet?” he asked, needing to break the spell, needing to just get his hands on her so he could channel all of what he was feeling into making her feel good. “To touch you?”
He took a risk and cupped her bare waist, the skin creamy and soft. High, perfect breasts turned up at the tips, just out of reach of his mouth. When she didn’t protest, he kissed just beneath the left one and caught the barest hint of fragrance. Something warm and sweet, like vanilla.
“You can have a turn,” she agreed, her hands stroking his arms and shoulders, the grazing touch winding him up again. “I’ll reserve the rights to a full striptease another day.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” He wanted to squeeze her tighter. Make sure she stayed. “I may need to work up the stamina to withstand it.”