Page 33 of Built of Illusions
Midnight Security was thriving up in Vermont. He owned a chunk of the business and there was room for him to fit in with the crew and find his own way to contribute.
But Josie lived in Sacramento.
And right now, she slept in his arms.
Could he walk away from their potential?
Josie’s even breathing helped lull him and he shoved the questions aside. For now, he would enjoy the trust she placed in him. And the feel of her curves pressing into him.
His own breathing slowed and his brain settled. He would put money down that his dreams were going to be memorable.
Josie woke with a smile. She’d slept. The curtains were drawn tightly so she didn’t know the time, but she knew she’d slept for hours. Thanks to Nico. She was still wrapped in his arms. Every time she’d stirred or moved, he’d shifted with her, keeping her close and safe.
Her dreams had been erotic and varied. All starring Nico. Her belly fluttered at the memories and Josie realized that she was ready. More than ready. Was he?
She knew he was attracted. Knew he was interested. Were they ready to take the next step?
The night before, she’d worried that she was leaping without looking, making decisions based in fear. It wasn’t fear she was feeling now.
“Morning. I can hear that brain working overtime.” Nico’s gravelly voice had the belly flutter growing.
They were both facing the window, with Nico’s body spooning hers so she couldn’t see his face in the dim light. “Good morning.”
One large hand skimmed her body from shoulder to hip and back. Over the covers and she still couldn’t contain the shiver.
“You sleep okay?”
Josie rolled over to face him. “Best night I’ve had in years.”
His sleepy smile was all kinds of sexy. His hand continued to caress her over the blanket. Josie reached up to touch his stubbly jaw. “Thanks.”
Enough sunlight edged around the curtain for her to see the gleam in his eyes. “Any time. You’re always welcome in my home…and in my bed.”
She ran her fingers over his jaw and around to his lips. His hand pressed more firmly on her as she traced his mouth with her finger. Then she reached up and braved a kiss. A soft brush of lips that created a reaction throughout her body.
His too. Nico’s body tightened with a flinch but he didn’t back away. When she put her finger back on his lips to trace them again, his tongue came out to lick her finger, sending shivers right down to her toes.
Nico sucked her finger into his mouth and nipped it gently. She smiled and when he soothed the finger with his tongue, more shivers chased the ones that hadn’t dissipated.
“What are you thinking, Josie?”
She kissed his chin. “I’m thinking you’re a pretty special man, Nico Rivera.”
Then she leaned back to look into his eyes. “I’m thinking you make me feel safe and cared for. I’m thinking that you’re a hot, sexy man who makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
His mouth opened, so she kissed it lightly and kept talking. “I’m thinking I’d like to find out more about you and what makes you tick.”
She let her hand run over his shoulder and up into his hair. “I’m thinking I’d like to kiss you again and that I’d like to stay right here in this big bed of yours until we’re naked and sweaty and sated.”
Nico’s hand jerked where it rested on her arm and he groaned. His gaze bored into hers. “Are you sure, Josie? Are you really sure?”
Knowing he’d understood her hesitation the night before and that he’d be absolutely fine with her leaving his bed if she wanted to do that, Josie nodded. “I’m really sure. I’d like to find out what those spiffy suits have been hiding. Are you sure?”
Nico laughed and rolled over so that he was on top of her with his forearms caging her head. His erection pressed into her and she arched into him.
He dropped his head into her hair and cursed vividly. “I’m sure, Josie. But I don’t want us doing this because you’re trying to escape the reality that’s waiting out there.”
This man. Josie wrapped her hands around his neck and tugged lightly on his hair until he lifted his head to look at her. “You listening?”