Escalation - Tessa Teevan Page 0,57
sense of triumph settles over me, and I feel like I could conquer the world. By the time the cab drops us off on the Magnificent Mile, I’ve calmed, but only slightly. I’m not sure if I’ll ever come down from the high of this night.
The magic of the city envelopes me as we stroll to our next destination. It probably helps that Rafe’s arm is secured around my waist, holding me close. We walk down Michigan Avenue in companionable silence, neither of us with a care in the world.
I take in the sights of the bright lights, the giant structures, and the thousands of people mulling about the city, darting around us. The sounds are music to my ears. The impatient honking. The musicians on the corner, entertaining the masses. The families hustling and bustling, trying to stay together and not get swallowed up in the crowd. Sounds that have been so distant now truly feel like home. Being here isn’t painful like I thought it’d be. It’s actually refreshing, and I love that I’m here and not alone.
The rest of the evening flashes by in a romantic blur. We eat tapas in low lighting, Rafe taking in delight in feeding me, and I allow it. We spend the night laughing and talking, discussing our childhoods—keeping all the painful memories far, far away. Even though I slipped up for a brief moment on the Ferris wheel, this night is about us, and all the worries around us are kept at bay. The one thing we don’t discuss is the future, and I’m okay with that. We have plenty of time. Just knowing he loves me is enough. The permanent smile on my face is evident of that.
We stroll along, making our way back to the hotel, but then Rafe stops at the peak of a bridge, drawing me close and holding me tight. People scurry around us, a few not so politely, but neither of us cares. We’re lost in the moment, lost in each other, and if this is what being lost is like, I never want to be found.
He dips his head, his lips capturing mine. His kiss is slow, gentle at first, but when his tongue parts my lips and invades, it dominates and controls the pace, speeding it up with such frenzy that all I can do is hold on for the ride. A moan bubbles up in my throat and releases into his mouth, causing him to tear his mouth from mine. Our frantic breaths mix as we stare at each other, panting from the ferocity of our passion.
“Hotel?” he questions, his voice low and scratchy.
I nod. “Quickly.”
He wastes no time grabbing my hand, and we walk as fast as we can without running.
When the hotel comes into sight, he slows us down, and as we make our way towards the grand building, I’m giddy and intoxicated with love. This has night has been absolutely unexpected and undeniably perfect.
My heart races as we step into the elevator, and I have half a mind to push him up against the wall and strip him bare right here, right now. Somehow, I hold on to the edges of my restraint. As the elevator dings, my desire rises to new heights, and all I can think of is making love to this man.
His hands are on my hips and his mouth is on my neck as he guides me down the hall towards our suite. Visions of Rafe swirl in my head as I picture him naked and waiting for me on the bed. In the tub. Standing at the desk as I bend over for him. I suck my lower lip into my mouth and release a sigh, tilting my neck to give him more access.
“Patience, baby,” he whispers against my skin. “We have all night.”
By the time he opens the door, I’m practically panting for him. I cross towards the bed, but he apparently has different plans. He catches my hand, spins me around, and then takes me into the center of the room, slipping his arms around my waist.
He peers down at me with breathtaking passion before he kisses me. It’s cautious and hesitant as he wraps me up in a warm embrace. Our mouths tangle and tease, tasting each other, slowly at first. It’s reminiscent of the first time in his home, and I smile against his lips, knowing that may have been the night our child was conceived.
“What’s that smile for?” he