Hands Off Read Online Free Page A

consequences.”
    “So we’re clear—you want to have sex... with me? For just one night?” He held up a finger and grazed it along her cheek.
    “Yes.” The word hissed from her lips, but from the rough sound of his voice, she had to second-guess how this was going to play out.
    Her uncertainty didn’t last long. He smelled so good, a clean spicy scent that warmed her nose, eased her nerves. Sage and cinnamon.
    The solid muscles underneath his fitted cotton Henley shirt seemed larger, firmer. If that was possible.
    Her back hit the door and he halted less than an inch away.
    He reached for her. His hands bracketed her face, drawing her onto her tiptoes. And he looked... yes, he looked like he might kiss her. His confused stare and odd smirk transformed into something much more intriguing.
    Yes, yes, yes.
    Then his lips seized hers and set her world afire.
    She’d been so surprised she’d forgotten to loosen her lips. But when she did, the fit of their lips, the perfect mold, was more than she had hoped for. All that she’d hoped for. She melted into his strong hold and warm lips. He was tender yet insistent. Soft yet firm.
    Her mind buzzed. Remember every detail. Don’t forget a thing.
    With capable hands, he tilted her head at a better angle and slipped his tongue along the seam of her lips. A shiver tingled along her skin. Her lips parted. A soft moan slipped through. He groaned and deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue into her mouth.
    Her taste buds roused from deep slumber. Like a chef, she differentiated all the flavors she tasted—champagne, cherry tart, Jude—and savored them all.
    This was happening. Jude was kissing her. And she could taste him. So good she grew lightheaded.
    Why wasn’t she touching him?
    She lifted her forgotten hands and glided her palms up his ridged torso, along the soft cotton that stretched across his muscled chest, his pounding heart. She dragged her fingers along his neck, then combed them into his thick hair. How many moments had she imagined doing precisely this?
    Running her hands all over his body?
    There was so much more to explore. But right now, she was having a difficult time focusing on anything other than the kiss that was making her dizzy and hot. Damn, he had a talented mouth. She’d never felt like she’d been an especially good kisser. Competent maybe. Nothing exciting.
    Nothing as exhilarating as this.
    This.
    The way Jude moved with her, the way his lips and tongue worked her mouth, inspired her to respond with equal fervor, drugged with a bold passion she couldn’t have dreamed up. Who knew she could kiss like this? Or maybe it had been so long she couldn’t remember.
    Magnetized by the chemistry, she clung to him. And responded... from the swell of her breasts to the beading of her nipples skimming along her silky dress to the searing heat smoldering low, low in her belly to the curling of her red-painted toes against the sole of her sandals.
    He leaned into her, pressing his leg against the curve of her thighs, edging up her dress. She reacted by cuddling closer, crushing her achy breasts against his chest. Her backless dress hadn’t given her the option of a bra. And Jude seemed to realize this as he coasted his hand up and down her spine, stopping short of her thong each time.
    Oh, God. Another moan rose from her throat. The moan died, turning into a gasp as he broke the kiss and swiftly lifted her off her feet.
    “Jude?” She’d already felt like she was floating. The quick move made the lift seem effortless. Or maybe he was just that strong.
    “You’re safe,” he said simply, and she believed him.
    She relaxed into his arms, confident in his hold. She nuzzled into his neck, inhaling his clean scent and muted aftershave. Impulse took over and she licked a small path to see if he tasted as good as he smelled.
    Yep. Slightly salty, spicy, and all male.  
    “Naomi.” Her name was said with a warning. A warning she refused to heed.  
    She