going to have to.â
âUh-uh. Not a good enough answer.â He shook his head and twirled a section of her hair around his long finger and gave it a playful tug. âI donât want there to be any doubts in your mind about me, Jo. None whatsoever.â A slight, concerned frown formed between his brows. âAre you afraid Iâm going to hurt you in any way?â
She didnât fear him, but rather her own sexual response to him. Never had she been so attuned to a man as she was to Dean. Never could she remember wanting a man as much as she was beginning to crave him.
âNo,â she whispered, wondering what that admission would eventually cost her. Nothing she didnât already want to give him, she was certain.
âGood. Because youâre perfectly safe with me, in every way,â he promised.
She believed him. More than was prudent. More than was wise. In ways sheâd never trusted another man, because Dean was straightforward and honest in his actions. He didnât coddle and treat her like a helpless female in need of a manâs protection. And despite his dominant position at the moment, despite the provocative game he was playing, she felt safe with him. Was confident that if she called his intentions to a halt this very second, heâd back off and release her.
It was her own willingness that made her his captive, and her own enthusiasm that made her too eagerto experience the kind of pleasure sheâd denied herself for so long. Too long.
âSo,â he murmured, tickling the side of her neck with long sweeps of her hair against her skin, causing gooseflesh to rise and her breasts to tingle. âIf youâre not afraid of me, you must trust me more than you realize or want to admit out loud.â
The man was way too smart. Way too intuitive. Verbalizing that trust would break down any last barriers between them and leave her open to all kinds of tantalizing scenarios. She wasnât ready to give him that power over her. Yet. âYouâre very analytical.â
âJust trying to read all the signs accurately, especially when youâre being vague with your answers and skirting the issue.â
The silence grew as he waited patiently for her answer. Finally, she released a sigh and gave it to him, not out of obligation, but he deserved to know what she thought of him. âI trust you.â
An indulgent smile curved his full lips. âNow why do I get the impression that trust is a very hesitant one?â
It wasnât. Not really. But playing hard to get, just a little bit, was better than relinquishing everything up front. âVivid imagination?â she suggested with a bit of sass.
His irises darkened with smoky desire, and when he shifted one of his rock-hard thighs over hers, she felt the rigid length of his erection pressing against her hip. A throbbing, luxurious ache settled in herstomach, and lower, and she swallowed back the groan rising in her throat.
âOh, I most definitely have a vivid imagination, Ms. Sommers,â he said, having proven as much with his bodyâs lustful response to her. âEspecially when it comes to you and me. And us. Together.â
She touched her tongue to her upper lip, feeling her entire body hum with anticipation. âUs?â
âUh-huh,â he said, nodding slowly, and let his gaze lower to her mouth. âTell me, Jo, do you trust me enough to let me kiss you while youâre completely at my mercy like this?â
The wanting and excitement increased, coiling tighter within her. She laughed, the sound more nervous than the frivolous note sheâd been striving for. Yeah, she was uncertainâ¦of where a kiss with him could leadâ¦of where she yearned for it to lead. âWhat makes you think I want you to kiss me?â
He propped his palm against his temple. His face was inches from hers, nearly within kissing distance. âOh, just an educated
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