smile, and then takes a sip of her champagne.
“I hope you don’t mind. I already ordered.”
“No, not at all.” She shakes her head.
“I’ve been asking myself why, how I’ve never seen you before.”
She shrugs. “It’s a big company.”
“I suppose. Still, an entire year …” I shake my head in disbelief. She was right under my nose this entire time and I had no idea.
“You’re a busy man.”
“Well I need to slow down then. I’ve been missing one hell of a scenery,” I reply, doing nothing to mask my approval as I stare at her.
She blushes again and drops her gaze. My eyes travel over her body, and I lose the fight in resisting her. Her lips are begging to be kissed. Moving closer, I stroke her cheek with the backs of my fingers.
“Kelly…”
**Kelly**
Don’t hyperventilate! As Rick moves closer, I get a whiff of his scent. It’s spicy and woodsy and heavenly and…it’s driving me crazy! His hand on my cheek is creating total chaos with my body and mind. I can see his lips moving but I don’t hear a word he’s saying. Focus!
“Kelly?”
“Yes?” I blink up at him.
“Would you object if I kissed you?”
Holy Mary, mother of God! His voice is making love to my ears. This is what I’ve been dreaming about. If I do it, there’s no turning back. I can’t speak so I nod instead.
“You would?” He smirks, knowing that’s not what I meant.
I swallow, trying to find my voice. “I mean no…I wouldn’t object.”
“I can’t do it if you’re chewing your lip.”
I didn’t even realize I was doing it, but I let it slip from between my teeth. As he leans in, I close my eyes. The butterflies in my stomach flutter away. Dear , God, please don’t let my heart give out. It’s also possible I will spontaneously combust and kill us both. Fuck.
The moment his lips touch mine, I turn to liquid against him. I bury my fingers in his hair and moan. The hand on my cheek slips around my neck and massages my nape, while his other hand slides up my thigh. Slowly, his lips move over mine, kissing each in turn. He lingers on my bottom lip, gently sucking, and nipping it with his teeth. When he moves to my top lip, I suck on his bottom one. He squeezes my thigh and deepens the kiss, his tongue seeking entry. I gladly allow it in. A shiver darts up my spine as our tongues touch. The butterflies in in my stomach promptly turn into eagles, spreading their majestic wings. I lean into him, and at the same time, pull him closer. My fingers swim through his hair as I taste him. It’s a taste I know I could never get enough of.
Fuck! Where’s a bed when you need one? I’ve always known it would be like this if we came together – explosive, earth shattering passion. There is no way this isn’t meant to be.
**Rick**
I never engage in public displays of affection, but what the hell? She already has me breaking one of my rules, why not another? Then again, there’s no one else around so technically, we aren’t in public. I couldn’t help myself. As my tongue delves into her sweet mouth, I don’t regret my decision. The little whimpering sounds she makes only fuel my desire. Everything about her seduces me, even her scent. Whatever it is, I would buy a million bottles so I can smell it on her. Her thigh is firm yet supple beneath my fingers, and I wish they were wrapped around me right now. The thought drives my movements, and I ravage her lips with a hunger I haven’t felt in a long time. Leaving her lips, I move to her neck. Her head falls back with a moan, serving up her delectable skin.
“Rick…”
When she whispers my name, something inside me burns to life. My hands move of their own accord, sliding over her curves toward her breast. Before they reach their destination, I remember where we are. I don’t want to, but I know I have to pull back. I break the kiss and look down at her through desire-laden eyes. Hers slowly flutter open, and the golden pools greet