Rising up to rest my weight on one forearm, I drag my other hand over my mouth to clean off her wetness. She probably won’t want to kiss me if I taste like—
“Hollis?”
The gentle affection in her voice, even with the lingering breathlessness, has my mouth curving upward. “Shortcake?”
“Will you…” She trails off for so long I don’t think she’ll finish. Finally, she adds with a barely audible whisper, “Kiss me?”
I don’t bother answering her. I shift so I’m nearly nose to nose with her.
“You want me to kiss you again?” I tease her softly.
She nods slowly. “I want to…see how I taste on you.”
Magnolia
He goes impossibly still, and I wonder if I’ve misspoken. Maybe that’s not what guys want to hear.
Good grief, I’m so terrible at this. I wince, closing my eyes with an inaudible groan. “I’m sorry. That’s probably—”
“The hottest damn thing I’ve ever heard?” His gravelly voice skitters along my body, leaving a trail of arousal in its wake. He drops tiny kisses along my jawline, and oh, sweet Lord, who knew that could feel so good?
Lips dance along my skin, his teeth gently nipping at me, and I don’t ever want him to stop. His hot breath washes over me, sending delicious shivers traveling down the length of my spine when he brings his lips to mine. “You taste so fuckin’ good.”
He captures my mouth, his tongue seeking out my own. Experiencing my own flavor intermixed with Hollis is more intoxicating than anything I’ve ever experienced.
I tug him closer, needing to feel him pressed between us. Hard. Heavy. Thick. When I reach for the waistband of his pants, his fingers latch onto my wrist, stopping me. I know the confusion is etched on my face, but he simply gives a little shake of his head.
“I’m not done with you yet.” His murmured words are gentle, but there’s a hint of mischief in his eyes.
“What do you mean?” I ask slowly, confused. I glance down between us at his obvious arousal. “Don’t you want—?”
His lips dust over mine, cutting off my words. He leans back slightly. “Doesn’t matter what I want.” After another soft kiss, his lips curve against mine in a smile. “I’m not done with you, baby girl.”
His mouth leaves a trail of kisses along my jaw, and when his lips find a sensitive spot near where my neck and jawline meet, I shiver. My nipples instantly harden in response. One large palm rests on my bare hip, and with aching slowness, it skims up my side beneath my shirt before pausing beneath the underwire of my bra. His thumb brushes the fabric, barely grazing over top my nipple, and I arch into his touch.
“Is this okay?” His hot breath against my neck causes a rise of goose bumps on my skin.
I nod before bravely offering, “You can take it off.”
The thumb caressing my bra-covered nipple stutters briefly before resuming its torture. He draws my earlobe into his mouth and gently sucks before releasing it.
“If I do that, I’ll want to get pretty well acquainted with these.” He cups a breast for emphasis.
My eyes fall closed as he rakes his teeth over my earlobe. “How well acquainted?” I whisper.
He nips at my earlobe again, sending shivers shimmying through me. His voice dips lower, heavy with arousal. “You want to know all the dirty things I want to do to you?”
All I can manage is a simple, breathless, “Yes.”
He lets out a small groan before propping himself above me, peering down with those deep brown eyes. Leaning his weight on one arm with our eyes still locked, he slowly lifts the hem of my shirt. But not once does his attention veer to my breasts. He holds my gaze as though he’s making sure I’m okay with this, with this progression.
Hollis Barnes has always had a heart of gold. I’ve known this from the start. But now, with the way he watches me for any sign that I’ve changed my mind, I realize he’s so much more.
The young boy I once knew who took it upon himself to protect me from anyone who hurt my feelings has turned into a man who’s still hyper aware and always looking out for me. Always protecting me.
Even if it’s from himself.
This sets him apart from guys his age who only focus on getting lucky with girls and partying.
His tongue darts out to wet his upper lip, his tone low and seductive. “I want to suck on your nipples like I did that night.”
A rush of breath escapes my lips. “I want that, too.”
His eyes flick to my mouth. “But I’ll want more if I do that.”
Arousal floods my bloodstream, making me ache with want. With need. “What else?”
His heated gaze practically incinerates me on the spot. “I’ll want to feel what it’s like to have your pussy grip me tight.” His Adam’s apple bobs when he swallows hard. “Not sayin’ it to pressure you…” Somber eyes plead with me to believe him. “Because I’d never force you to do—”
I place my finger over his mouth to stop him and whisper, “I know.” I trace his full lips and his eyes fall closed, as though he’s memorizing my touch. Once I drop my finger from his mouth, his eyes open, and in a gentle, hushed tone, I say, “Tell me what else you want.”
His thumb rakes over top of my bra where my nipples prod against the fabric. “I’ll want you to ride me while I suck on these.”
A whimper escapes me, and my lips part on a panting breath. “What if I want that, too?”
His eyes flash, his tone hoarse. “Which part?”
“All of it.”
I barely get the last word out before his mouth captures mine in a kiss that’s frantic and needy and wet. Devouring. Our tongues tangle and I clutch at him, desperately trying to draw him closer.
He removes my shirt, and his fingers snake beneath me to unfasten the clasp of my bra, quickly tossing it aside. The contact of our heated flesh, without any barrier between our upper bodies, makes me frantic with the need for more.
His fingers tunnel into my hair, steering my head as he takes control, his mouth on mine, branding me with its scorching heat. The sensation of the hard angles of his body against my softer curves has me gasping against his lips. I can’t get enough of his kiss, of his touch. I might not be experienced, but no other guy has made me feel like this when they kissed me.
Desired.
Sexy.
Beautiful.
Loved.
Deep down, I know this could blow up in our faces, but I love Hollis, and he’s the only guy I truly trust. I know he won’t do me wrong, and he’ll always respect me.
I skim my palms along the sleek muscles of his back before dipping beneath the waistband of his khakis. My fingertips graze the tops of his firm glutes, and he groans against my lips, drawing away slightly. His mouth is swollen from our kisses, and we’re both slightly out of breath.
He closes his eyes on a wince. “God, your hands on me…” He trails off with another groan when I sweep my fingertips along his sides, and he arches into my touch.
“I want to touch you.” I wait for his eyes to open and find mine. “Will you let me?”
His jaw tightens, and for the briefest moment, I wonder if he’ll say no. Finally, he gives a short nod and rolls onto his back, bringing me with him.