Page 16 of Wait For You

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

“All you had to do was ask.”

I moved a little closer. I lifted a hand to palm her cheek and slipped my other arm around her waist. I looked into her eyes for a long moment, giving her time.

“Are you sure?” I whispered over her lips.

Chapter Nine

Tessa

Are you sure?

I felt the shape of Adam’s words on my lips. My racing pulse galloped along so fast I could hardly breathe. I felt liquid heat pool low in my belly, and I was acutely aware of the throb of need at the apex of my thighs.

My nerves felt stretched tight, shimmering with sparks. I couldn’t focus on anything but Adam. All of my attention centered on my body’s humming drive to lose myself in him.

“Yes,” I whispered.

Before that single syllable fully crossed my lips, he fit his mouth over mine. His hands slid into my hair. I shivered at the way he took control of our kiss. He angled my head to the side, his tongue sweeping in masterful strokes against mine. I arched into him, needing this kiss, needing his strength, needing to lose myself in the flames of this fire.

I had no idea how long our kiss lasted, but when his lips lifted away, I heard myself whimper, bereft to lose him. His hand slid away from my hair, the other sliding from where it rested between my shoulder blades down my side. He gripped my hips and lifted me onto the kitchen counter.

He pressed hot, open-mouthed kisses along the underside of my jaw. Each one felt like a drop of lava on my skin, ramping the heat up inside.

“It’s okay,” he whispered against my skin. “I have you. I’m not going anywhere.”

I’d never had faith in any man. I’d thought myself incapable of experiencing that with anyone. Yet with Adam, I did.

I was the first to seek something more than the fabric between us. My hand found its way under the hem of his shirt to discover his warm skin. He felt alive and shimmering. He was muscled and lean, and I let my fingertips walk up his chest, savoring the soft crinkle of hair under my touch. I let my palm press over the resounding beat of his heart. Discovering his pulse raced as rapidly as mine was a relief.

He lifted his head. “Tessa.” My name was a gruff whisper.

I dragged my eyes open. My legs dangled off the counter, and my hips rested at the edge, where I could feel his hot, hard length nestled against me.

This moment felt intensely carnal even though we were fully clothed. His gaze was dark and laser-focused on me.

“Maybe we should stop,” he said.

I shook my head fiercely. “No.”

His eyes widened slightly. I could feel the press of his fingertips on one of my hips through the fabric of my soft cotton pants.

He moved his hand and placed it on the counter beside me. A small sound of protest came from my throat.

“Tell me what you want,” he said softly. “We don’t have to rush. I’ll wait for you, wait until you’re ready for more.”

While I appreciated him being courteous and patient, I was no virgin. I hadn’t had an orgasm with a man in… Well, ever. My ex was the only man I’d been with. Sex with him had been filled with tension and critiqued to the point that it removed any potential for me to relax and enjoy myself.

I took a breath, narrowing my eyes. “I want you. I want this. You don’t need to treat me like I’m fragile because I’m not.” Although my voice was raspy, it was strong.

“I know you’re not fragile. I just want it to be on your terms.”

My palm still rested on his chest, and I slid it between us to boldly stroke his cock. Power surged through me when I felt his pulse under my touch.

“This is on my terms, and I want you. All of you. Tonight.”

Adam’s nostrils flared with a breath, and his eyes darkened as we stared at each other.