he could overrule her and take anything he wanted. She hoped her unease didnât show too much.
âYouâre efficient,â he remarked.
She smiled. âOh, Iâm very domestic. I had to learn early. My mother was an invalid for years before she and Dad died. Randy and I would have starved if I hadnât been able to cook.â
His face closed up at the mention of his ex-wifeâs new husband.
Melody put detergent into the dishwasher and started it running. Her eyes flicked to Emmett and away. âYes, I know, you hate my brother as much as you hate me.â
His green eyes were completely without hostility for once as he studied her. The black dress she was wearing suited her fair complexion. Its fit emphasized her full breasts and hips and small waist, and the milky-white softness of her shoulders with their scattering of freckles. He liked what he saw when he looked at her, even if it was against his better judgment.
âI donât hate you,â he said quietly.
âPull the other one, Emmett.â
Sheâd turned and was starting out the door when he moved with surprising speed and blocked her way. âI like the way you say my name. Say it again.â
His arm was across the doorway, almost touching the tips of her breasts. She tensed at the sensual threat of it. âThis isnât wise,â she said seriously, meeting his green eyes levelly.
One eye narrowed. His gaze on her face was intent, curious. âIsnât it? Maybe not. Weâre years apartâalmosta generation. Funny, I always thought you were older. I donât know why. You seem very mature for a woman just barely out of her teens.â
âI had to grow up fast. May I get by, please?â
He could see her breathing quicken. âWhy are you afraid of me?â
Her eyes darted up and down again. Her cheeks colored. âAm I?â
He reached out and caught her by the waist. He tugged, pulling her slowly to him, so that her mouth was poised just under his.
âMaybe intimidated is a better choice of words,â he murmured. His hands slid up her rib cage with slow sensuality, making her flinch at the sudden pleasure of their touch. âI know a hell of a lot more than you do about this, donât I, little one?â His breath was warm on her parted lips. âIs that whatâs wrong?â
âYes,â she whispered breathlessly.
He looked at her mouth instead of her eyes. It trembled, pink and soft like some pastel flower, waiting to be touched. She was so young, he thought. She really was off-limits to a man his age.
But even as he thought it, his lips moved the scant inches necessary to bring them right down over her whispered gasp, and took possession of that petal-pink mouth.
She grasped his shirtfront and stiffened in surprise.
âShh,â he whispered against her lips while he worked with sensuous mastery at parting them. âYouâre safe. Youâre perfectly safe. There wonât be anything to regret. Relax for me.â
Sheâd been kissed. Sheâd been kissed plenty of times, and even by him! There was certainly no reason whyEmmettâs mouth should be so different from any other manâs.
But, it was. Her whole body felt as if it contracted while Emmettâs warm, strong arms enveloped her and his tongue slowly, tenderly impaled her mouth as it had once before. She stiffened again as the throbbing pleasure began to make her feel unwanted, unwelcome sensations. She fought them.
He felt the resistance, as slight as it was, and lifted his dark head.
âYouâre still holding back from me,â he said, his voice tender if a little unsteady. âIâm not going to hurt you.â
âIt makes me feel funny,â she replied dizzily.
His nose brushed lazily against hers. âWhere?â
âIn my stomachâ¦â
âGood,â he whispered. His lips eased back down and brushed hers apart, teasing them to
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