Love in Flames by N. J. Walters Page A

and hungry for her.
    Sitting up, she wrapped her hand around his straining erection. So hard, yet so soft. She marveled at him, learning his shape and size while she stroked him, the sensation new yet familiar.
    He swore softly under his breath, but didn’t stop her. His hands were balled into fists on his thighs and his eyes were closed. She traced her thumb over the bulbous head of his cock, spreading the light coating of fluid that seeped from the tip. “Esther,” he grated out between clenched teeth. “I want to be inside you when I come.”
    Grabbing the condom, she ripped open the packet and quickly sheathed him. He tumbled her back down onto the ground and wedged himself between her thighs. She could feel the head of his cock seeking entrance and she widened her legs, sighing with pleasure when he finally slipped inside.
    Supporting himself on his forearms, he framed her face in his large, capable hands. “I love you, Esther. Now and forever.” He leaned down to kiss her, surging forward and burying himself deep within her. She was overwhelmed by both his words and his physical actions.
    He started slowly, but she wrapped her legs around his waist, hooking her ankles together at the small of his back, driving him even deeper. Their pace increased and she raised her hips to meet his every thrust. She’d had several lovers in her life, but it had never felt like this, so overwhelming, so incredibly powerful.
    Twining her arms around his neck, she clung to him as the world dissolved around her. His skin was slick with sweat despite the cool autumn air, and his muscles bunched and flexed as he drove them both higher.
    His chest brushed against her breasts, abrading her aroused nipples. His lips caressed her forehead, cheeks and nose before desperately seeking her mouth once again. He cupped her shoulders, pulling her toward him with each plunge of his body. He filled her, body, mind and soul, leaving room for nothing but him. The heat within her climbed until she thought they’d burst into flames.
    He tore his mouth from hers. “Now, Esther. Now.” He surged forward one final time, his entire body shaking. She knew he was desperately trying to hold back, wanting her to come first. The onset of his orgasm triggered hers, sending her over the edge and into oblivion.
    “Ryan!” she cried, inner muscles contracting hard. She tilted her hips upward, grinding them against his pelvis, never wanting this moment to end. Her nails dug into his muscled back as she sought something to anchor her. Gasping, she rode the waves of pleasure to the end, and when they finally receded, she unhooked her ankles and let her legs fall back to the ground.
    Ryan had managed to pull out of her before collapsing facedown beside her. When she shivered, his arm snaked over her stomach and pulled her closer to him. Heat radiated from his large body. Grateful for the warmth, she snuggled against him, not wanting to lose the newfound closeness between them.
    She lay there, staring up at the stars, and a deep happiness filled her. On this magical night, nothing could harm them. She would worry about tomorrow when it came.
    Moments later, he stirred, raising his head to gaze down at her. His hair was mussed and fine grains of sand stuck to his skin in several places, but his eyes were alight with pleasure. “Thank you.” His gruff whisper was followed by a soft kiss.
    Sighing, she cuddled closer to him, content for the moment just to be with him. He rubbed his hands over her shoulders and she shivered, goose bumps spreading down her arms.
    “We’d better get you inside.” Ryan rolled easily to his feet, yanked a tissue from his back pocket and removed the used condom before hitching up his underwear and zipping his jeans. He stuffed the tissue back into his pocket to discard later.
    Realizing that she was still sprawled almost naked on the ground in front of him, she shoved her skirt down and reluctantly pushed herself upright. He offered