The Father of Her Son - By Kathleen Pickering Page 0,48
okay?” His voice reflected his hope that she’d say yes.
Her lips curved into a small smile. The passion in her eyes was like a narcotic hitting his bloodstream. Without saying a word, her mouth sought his again. He hungrily claimed her lips, happy to accept her actions instead of her words.
It had been a while since he’d been with a woman, but he’d been with enough to recognize the extraordinary chemistry sparking between them. Kelly’s genuine and natural instincts, her heartbeat against his chest, the incense of her perfume, all drove Evan not to think, only to feel, respond, kiss, touch, crave so much more. Her hands exploring his face, shoulders, chest, stomach, the sweet taste of mocha on her tongue, the feel of her body against his own intoxicated him into a spiral of wanting more.
Instinct told him that, knowing Kelly as he did, if they made love she would become bound to him. And he’d be lost to her. This would happen as surely as they breathed. Their intimacy could be good. So very good. He could use their chemistry as proof that they could consider marriage. But did he want her to love him when her emotions were as volatile as they were now? When her world was turbulent and unreliable? When he couldn’t even promise that they would defeat Campbell in the end? With the strength of a superhero, he broke the kiss.
“Kelly...”
Her green eyes, darkened with want, slowly focused at the serious timbre of his voice.
She searched his gaze, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
He rested a finger on her lips. “Wow.”
A crooked grin crossed her mouth. “I’m a little short on practice. I hope you’re not disappointed.”
She hadn’t pulled away. In fact she nestled against him, familiar and content. He liked that. His voice dropped low with intent. “I want to make love with you, Red.”
She stilled. “I...”
He entwined his fingers in hers. “I know. That is why I’m stopping. I don’t think it is a very good idea right now—for either of us.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded. “You are right.”
He sat up and pulled her into his lap. Her eyes grew wide when she felt the effect she’d had on his body.
Grinning he said, “Not to worry. I’ll be okay in a minute.”
She rested a hand against his chest right where his heartbeat pounded. She met his gaze. “I’m embarrassed. I’m not really sure what I’m doing.”
He pressed his hand over hers where it lay over his heart. “Oh, I don’t know, sweetheart. Feel that? I’d say your instincts are pretty damned good.”
* * *
KELLY INHALED A needed breath in an effort to still her own beating heart. Her reaction to Evan’s kiss had sent her senses reeling to the point of losing herself. Feeling awkward now that he stopped her, she welcomed the warmth of his arm around her shoulder and his closeness. At least he wasn’t blowing her off. Oh, Lord, she had practically lost it—all over him. Damn if that kiss didn’t awaken the sleeping giant of her tamped-down libido!
“I should probably head to bed.”
He chuckled. “My kingdom if you turn that into an invitation.”
“And who very well stopped me?”
“I know. I’m regretting it.”
He lifted her chin, kissing her mouth one more time. Her insides leaped, wanting the kiss to linger, go deeper, drive her over the brink. She had been denied love for so very long that she felt starved, and Evan handled her with a perfect mixture of strength and tenderness. He seemed safe. Natural. And was rapidly filling her emptiness.
While desire pooled in her core, panic slowly trickled down her spine. Evan said he wanted to make love. She’d seen enough movies to know that making love could be erotic, pleasurable, momentous. Those glimpses were her only defense against the one experience that haunted her. Evan’s easy, sensual manner made her curious to know more. God knew she loved kissing him, feeling the closeness of his body, but she had to admit one fact about getting close and naked: she was scared.
She broke the kiss. “I am tempted to make love with you to erase the bad memories from my assault.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Is that the only reason?”
She hesitated, warmed by the hope in his eyes. “Of course not.”
“Then tell me. Why are you tempted?”
How could she tell him? It wasn’t just her need for physical contact. Evan had taken the time to reach into her world and develop a sense of intimacy between them. She tapped his