We both groan as our lips meet in a dance, starting out slow but quickly turning combustible.
Finally.
I grip the back of her head and her arms curl around my neck as our mouths nip and tug.
I swoop down to lift her as my free arm wraps around her waist and her legs go around mine.
I back her into the wall, not breaking the kiss.
This kiss took fifteen months to happen, but it feels like every other one we’ve shared. It’s like no time has even passed between us.
We still connect like I’ve never connected with anyone else.
She still tastes like everything and feels like everything.
The fires we stoke in one another are burning hot and wild.
My lips trail down her neck and she arches her back, driving me absolutely wild.
I feel her hands run down my chest as she fists my shirt.
Then I remember the cameras.
I lean my forehead on hers, regaining control.
“Baby, unless we want to give the other agents a show, I suggest we go to the bedroom.”
She doesn’t say anything, but I can feel her drawing staggering breaths. I lean back enough to see that her eyes are wide. Her hands flatten on my chest as she gives me a little push and her legs untangle themselves around my waist.
I set her back down on the floor and when she simply stares at her feet, I am hit with the realization that she is regretting this. I take a step back, shoving my hands in my gray sweats and ignoring the telltale signs of my own arousal to give her space.
Finally, after seconds that feel like hours that feel like weeks, she nods her head and turns towards the room.
I’m stuck, not knowing if I should follow or wait until I cool down, when she looks over her shoulder. She tips her head, and her eyebrows meet.
“Are you coming?”
I give her a terse nod and quietly follow her. With the way I feel right now, it’s like I’m standing over the precipice and it wouldn’t take me long to free-fall right off it.
I shut the door behind us and as she makes for the bed, I head straight to the recliner.
Mentally preparing myself for another sleepless night, I lower myself down on a space I’ve called my bed for weeks. I don’t dare ask Ria for a spot on the bed for three reasons.
First, I don’t want to push her. The fact that she even thought of divorcing me means I have a lot to make up for when it comes to winning her back. Ria has the softest and kindest heart I’ve ever known. If I ask to sleep beside her, she will let me, regardless of how she feels.Thatwould not be fair to her. She’s still hurting, regardless of my part in it, I still did it. It’s still a reality she lived with.
Second, the temptation of her being mere inches away would be too much for me. Just being around her is hard enough.
And third, shutting my eyes would be too much of a risk. I need to be awake to watch over my family and make sure nothing happens to them. I can’t do that while asleep.
“You’re exhausted.”
My eyes fly up and find Ria standing right in front of me with an outstretched hand.
Did I doze off? Did I say that out loud?
With her probing eyes, I realize she’s reading me as easily as she always has, picking apart my brain before I even have a chance to pinpoint what I’m feeling.
I stare at her, letting myself drink in the sight of her. I allow myself to finally get a good look at the woman who stole my heart years ago and never returned it.