Jordan Summers by Off Limits (html) Page A

beautiful, like the rest of your home.”
    “Come. Sit.” He led her across the room to the two chairs that flanked the fireplace. A rich Persian rug lay beneath their feet. Jack hit a button on the wall and flames burst from the hearth. “I love modern gadgets.”
    “I’m not very technically adept.”
    “No expertise needed with a switch and you don’t have to get your hands dirty chopping wood.”
    She laughed. “I suppose that is a plus.”
    “Can I get you anything?” he asked, pointing to a discreet minifridge built into the wall.
    “No, I’m fine. Thanks.”
    He pivoted to face her. “Delaney?”
    “Yes.” She tilted her head to look at him, her lashes concealing her emotions.
    Jack couldn’t seem to think straight. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her lush mouth and the angle of her stubborn chin, debating whether to reveal his past now instead of waiting. She didn’t say anything, only continued to stare.
    Delaney swallowed hard and moistened her bottom lip, sending his senses into high alert. Her brown gaze assessed him. Jack felt like something monumental hung in the balance. He’d give a Renoir to know what she was thinking.
    Despite her natural openness, there was something about Delaney Carson that seemed untouchable. Jack longed to know her secrets, explore her hidden alcoves. Perhaps they could both unburden their souls and share their secrets.
    Her teeth clamped down on her lower lip and Jack nearly growled. He’d worry about exposing his past later. Right now, he had better things to do. He focused on her mouth and suddenly had to clear his dry throat.
    “I would really like to kiss you,” he said, his voice harsh. Jack curled his fingers into fists as he fought to keep from reaching for her. He needed her to come to him.
    Delaney’s luscious mouth opened forming a small O . Jack followed every nuance of her expression from her initial hesitation to her eventual capitulation. He didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until his lungs started to burn. He wanted this moment to be special for them both. Wanted her to want him as much as he desired her.
    “What’s stopping you?” she asked, challenge glinting in her mocha-colored eyes.
    Relief washed the tension from his body. Her mouth widened into a smile that dared Jack to act.
    Never one to back away from a challenge, he did.

7
    O NCE J ACK STARTED kissing Delaney he knew it would be a long time, if ever, before he’d want to stop. His mouth melded to hers, and he separated her lips with his tongue, before plunging inside to taste her sweetness. A hint of red wine lingered in her depths, adding tang to her evocative flavor. He chased the elusive essence, exploring her thoroughly. It was even better than the night before, richer, more invested. Or maybe he was. Jack wasn’t sure.
    He cupped the back of Delaney’s neck with one hand, bringing her closer to him. He caressed the column of her throat, feeling her pulse jump under his fingertips as he devoured her. Something about this woman brought out the caveman in Jack. He wanted to drag her off by her hair until she agreed to stay with him. The thought should scare him, but it didn’t. For some reason, it felt right. She felt right.
    His heart pounded in his chest as his hands slid over her shoulders and onto her breasts. Small, tight and compact, Delaney’s nipples hardened, stabbing his palms as he flicked the crests with his thumbs. He couldn’t wait to see her, taste her, drive her completely out of her mind with pleasure. Then when Jack finished, he’d start all over again. Delaney whimpered and tried to pull away.
    He stopped, even though it pained him to do so. Jack rested his forehead on hers. “We don’t have to do anything tonight, if you aren’t ready,” he said, staring at her kiss swollen lips.
    “No, I want to.” She met his gaze. “I want this.” Her fingers trembled as she moved to the buttons on the front of her shirt.
    “Allow me.”