Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
He answers in those sleep pants with a bare chest and feet. Just how does this man expect me to not ogle him? It’s impossible. His eyes are sleeping, his dark hair adorably ruffled. He gives me a fond smile as he says, “Jude. Is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry to disturb you, but you said you wanted honesty, and I had a thought that couldn’t wait.”
“Okay.”
“Why did you pull back on the heat level?”
He cocks his head. “Why did I what?”
“Last night in the kitchen we made out and it was great. But tonight it was like I could have been your sister.”
“My sister?” He raises his chin. “Trust me when I tell you I do not consider you to be sibling like in any way.”
I take a step back. “Okay. Sorry I woke you.”
“Wait.” He grabs hold of my hand. “Jude, the thing is, I got to thinking, and I thought maybe we should slow down. That I should take the time to woo you properly.”
“Oh.”
“We’re not even at forty-eight hours of knowing each other yet. It is damn tempting knowing you’re so close. But I’ve got this feeling about us. I want it to work.” He licks his lips. “Listen to me, in no way at all do I see you as sisterly.”
I exhale hard. “Good. That all sounds…good.”
“But if we’re going to start spending a lot of time together like I hope we are, I don’t want you to feel rushed or pressured. Does that make sense?” He rubs the pad of his thumb back and forth over my knuckles. Such fleeting contact. Not a big deal at all. But the sensation seems to run straight through me, setting me alight.
“You’ve got a good feeling about us?”
“Yes.”
“Me too.”
“Think you can sleep now?”
I consider the question then shake my head slowly. “No.”
He frowns.
“You remember what it was like when you were waiting for Christmas as a child? Trying to sleep the night before was next to impossible. All you could think about was the presents that some strange man with a beard wearing red velvet was going to break into your house and leave underneath the tree. The adrenaline would be pumping and your mind racing and…you know what I mean?”
His smile more than reaches his eyes. “Are you comparing me to Christmas?”
“Yes. And you may not have guessed this about me, but I am impatient. Especially when it comes to you, apparently.” I take a deep breath. “The other thing is, if we’re not going to work out, I’d rather know sooner than later. It’ll hurt less. I mean, we could just not work in bed. It could happen. Just because we have chemistry kissing doesn’t mean everything will be great.”
“I’m pretty sure it’ll be great,” he says with all of the arrogance.
“I want proof. Now.”
The smile increases to a grin. “That’s what you want, huh?”
I nod.
“Are you thinking fucking or making love?” he asks playfully. “Where is this mood of yours at, hmm?”
“Let’s start with the first and see how we go.”
The man stares down at me in wonder. At least, I choose to believe that’s the expression in his eyes. Best just to check, however.
“Do you think I’m being too forward or aggressive?”
“No. Hell no.” His brows draw down. “What I was thinking was…I must have done something very right to land me in this moment with you. No idea what it could be. But I am extremely grateful.”
I smile back at him.
“Can’t believe you think we wouldn’t work in bed, though. Not going to lie, Jude. That hurts.”
“So prove me wrong, Dean. Prove me wrong.” I take off my Henley pajama top, leaving us both bare from the waist up. The way his gaze dips down, over my breasts and belly is delicious indeed. My thighs clench, and I am definitely in need. “Whenever you’re ready.”
He gazes at me as if I am indeed a hot dream come to life. “Whatever you want, Jude.”
Kissing shouldn’t be seen as being especially dangerous or a contact sport. But the way we go at it, it just might be. Our mouths meet and meld and oh yes. This was what I wanted. Hot, wet, and all consuming. Tongues tangle and teeth clash. There’s no stopping us now that we’ve started. No slowing down or being sensible. Whatever his thoughts were on taking our time before, he is all in and all over me now.
My hands grip his shoulders before wrapping around his neck. While his coast down my back and over my butt. Polite society may not deem it considerate to climb a person. But Dean has no such problems. Thank goodness. He lifts me, and my legs go around his waist nice and tight. I am the spider monkey equivalent of a woman. No way am I letting go. Still kissing our hearts out, he turns and walks us into his room. I love dragging my fingers through his thick hair. Grabbing a handful and holding on tight. His fingers dig into my thighs, and he groans low in his throat. Quite possibly the hottest sound I have ever heard.