A tremble went down her spine. She knew exactly what he meant. Jayden wasn’t like other men. He was unique and dark and intense. So damn intense.
“You have to kiss me,” he said quietly. “When … if … you’re ready for me.”
“Jayden.” She gulped as a warmth filled her. “I don’t know how much I’m ready for.”
He slid his fingers to the nape of her neck, holding her steady, so her face was still close to his. “You need to know.’Cause I don’t wanna be another son of a bitch who gives you something you don’t want.” A muscle flexed in his jaw.
“I know you don’t … won’t be—” She paused. “But I do know,” she said, anticipation along with want suddenly gripping her, “I do know I want to kiss you. Right now.”
The right side of his mouth twitched into a half smile. “You sure? Right now?”
“Yes.” She closed the gap between them, fluttered her eyes closed, and tentatively pressed her lips to his.
Despite what he’d said, he instantly took control of the kiss, opening up and gently pressing his tongue into her mouth to find hers.
Excitement winged through her. Jayden tasted of spice and strength, and she touched his cheek, the bristles a little sharp on her fingertips as their tongues danced.
What was this crazy new life of hers? She was floating, her body alive with delicious, unfamiliar sensations.
His fingers toyed with her hair, sending fissions of sensations over her scalp. She held in a small moan of pleasure. Being kissed by Jayden was like nothing she’d ever experienced. It was as if neither of them had ever kissed anyone else.
He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “You’re the sweetest thing,” he said quietly. “And I could kiss you all over, taste you all over, but we have to take this slow.”
“What isthis?” She was slightly breathless.
“Attraction?” he said. “Lust.” He raised his eyebrows.
“Lust?” Just the word had her skin heating and her nipples hardening.
“Don’t be scared.” He touched the tip of his nose to hers. “I’ll only give you what you ask for, but you should know, there’s nothing I can’t give you, so be careful what you ask for.”
She wasn’t sure if he was talking in general or about his bedroom skills. Either way, the heat traveling through her bodysettled between her legs and a long-forgotten need took hold.
Have sex with Jayden.
Could I?
Would I?
She didn’t know the answer to that, and besides, she might have left Gary, but she was still married. She shouldn’t be kissing or thinking about another man at all. She was just proving Gary right. She was a cheater.
She looked away.
“Hey.” He set his hand over hers. “Don’t overthink it.”
She pulled her hand from his and stroked her thumb over her thin yellow-gold wedding band.
“You still feel married?” he asked. “After what he did to you.”
“I don’t know. Yes. No … it’s complicated.”
“It’s simple as fuck. Instead of cherishing you, he beat you. That’s a deal breaker. A get-out clause of the contract you made.”
“That I made before God.”
“And your God wants you to be a guy’s punching bag.” He huffed. “Come on. Take off that ring. That scumbag is history.”
She spun the ring around. It had been there so long. “How will I ever file for divorce without him knowing where I am?”