Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Just when I think the anticipation might consume me, I hear the familiar rumble of Banks’ work SUV.
He steps through the door, the day’s exhaustion clinging to him yet doing nothing to diminish his magnetic presence. His eyes widen when he sees me. The moment freezes and the whole evening pivots and crystallizes in his expression.
“Wow,” he breathes out, and it’s all I need to hear. Without another word, the evening shifts as the casual air evaporates, replaced by a charged electricity.
“I’m glad you like,” I say and let all my reservations fall away. “I figured it was about time to stop fighting the inevitable.”
There’s a flicker of relief that crosses his face and in his stride toward me. “Who’s fighting?” he teases, his voice low as he closes the distance. “I stopped fighting this the moment I saw you.” When his hand brushes mine, I nearly melt into a puddle of goo at his feet.
“I’m sorry it took me a little while to catch up,” I start, my voice steady yet carrying the weight of days of silent longing. “You’ve kind of stolen my heart, you know.”
He breaks into a grin that feels like sunlight cutting through the darkest clouds. “Likewise. I’m fucking glad we’re finally on the same page.”
When he pulls me against his hard, muscular body, I wrap my arms around his waist and lean up to kiss him.
His warm lips move slowly against mine. His tongue slides into my mouth and tangles with mine as his hands slide up under my silky dress to find bare skin. “Very nice,” he breathes against my lips.
“I thought you might like it.” A shiver runs through me when he slowly slides his warm palm up my back. He wraps his warm hands around my ass cheeks and gives a little squeeze that causes my knees to buckle.
He lifts me effortlessly, and instinct kicks in as my legs find their place around his hips. My heart hammers in my chest as he carries me down the hallway toward his bedroom. I’ve been in here before, seen this space a few times, but today, everything feels charged and electric.
When he lays me gently on the bed, all my thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind. There's just him, taking a step back, his eyes locked on mine as he peels off his clothes with deliberate slowness. My gaze rakes over his muscular chest, taking in every line and curve, and my mouth goes dry with anticipation. It’s as if everything else fades away, leaving just this moment, intense and consuming.
I prop myself up on my elbows, curiosity buzzing inside me. He’s even more impressive up close, and I’m taking inventory of every ridge and muscle when my mind shuts down and I lose track of what he’s doing.
Before I know it, he’s unhooking his belt and pushing his pants down. The sight of his gorgeous, nearly naked, hot body snatches my breath away.
My eyes go wide, and I bite my lip, feeling my heart race. A wave of shyness washes over me, wanting to look away as he stands there in nothing but his tight boxer briefs. But I’m not about to let that urge control me tonight. I keep my gaze locked on him.
He catches me staring and winks, a playful grin spreading across his face. “I love feeling your eyes on me,” he says, his voice low and smooth.
He steps over to the bed and slowly crawls over me. His warm hand slides under my silky dress, and I arch my back to get closer to his touch.
His breath is warm against my skin, a soft caress that makes my heart skip. He starts with a gentle kiss on my forehead, a spark that sends a current of anticipation racing through me. His lips trail deliberately, lingering at my temple, then tracing the curve of my cheekbones. Every kiss is tender and charged, leaving a warmth that simmers long after.
His hands follow the journey of his mouth, firm yet gentle as they skim over my skin. Fingers brush my neck, coaxing my head back to reveal more of my skin. He leaves a kiss on my jaw, then another that travels to my throat, every touch unhurried and intentional. His voice, low and filled with awe, murmurs, “You’re goddamn perfect,” and my pulse quickens in response.
I sit up slightly to help as he drags my dress up my body and over my head. The cool air against my heated skin snaps me back to reality, breaking through the Banks-induced fog that had me floating. For a moment, I realize just how quickly everything is escalating. But instead of letting my mind spiral into panic, I shift my focus back to him, pushing aside any lingering fears. He’s right here, and that’s all that matters.