THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family #6) - Brenda Jackson Page 0,49
“Too much? In what way?”
He took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t rest until I’d made you want me as much as I want you.”
She rolled her eyes. “I doubt it.”
“You don’t believe me?” he asked.
“Why would you care, as long as you’re satisfied?”
He was about to answer her, but the music stopped. Taking her hand, he led her back over to their table. After they took their seats he leaned over the table and said, “You do know if we were to sleep together, you would be satisfied as well, right?”
“How would I know that?”
Her answer surprised him. “Seriously?”
She looked down, and swallowed, seeming at a loss for words. Finally, she admitted, “It’s never been that way before.”
He frowned, trying to follow her. “What are you saying, Monica?”
“Nobody I’ve ever slept with has cared if I was satisfied.”
Was she saying what he thought she was? In a low voice, barely shielding the anger he felt—not for her, but for the guys she’d slept with in the past—he asked, “Are you telling me that you’ve never enjoyed a sexual encounter?”
She held his intense gaze. “That is exactly what I’m telling you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
IT WAS ONLY AFTER she’d spoken those words that Monica realized what she’d done—issued a challenge. She shouldn’t have said anything, but then again, maybe it was a good thing that she had. While most men would have considered it her problem, not theirs, she had a feeling Landon was different.
“Monica?”
She wasn’t sure what he was about to say, but she knew she wasn’t ready to hear it. “I don’t want to talk about it any longer, Landon. They are playing another song and I’m ready to dance again.”
He stared at her for a moment before nodding. “Then let’s dance the night away.”
Standing, he took her hand and led her back to the dance floor. The next five dances were all slow, and she appreciated that he’d let the matter drop, at least for now. Instead, she simply enjoyed being held in his arms, her eyes closed, and her head resting on his chest. Memories of the kiss they’d shared last night were flitting through her mind while his masculine scent enticed her senses. The deep, husky sound of him humming to the music soothed her, keeping her in calm waters and not sweeping her away under a turbulent wave.
When the music came to an end, he said, “Hey, Cinderella. It’s almost midnight—time for us to leave to go back to the ship.”
She nodded. “Alright.”
It had been a wonderful night, first dinner and then dancing, with Landon by her side. She’d forever have fond memories of the time she had spent in Brisbane with him.
When they walked outside, the limousine was there, ready to take them back to the ship. Once they were settled in the backseat, Landon did something Monica hadn’t expected—he reached out and gently placed her in his lap.
“Landon?” She looked at him questioning.
He leaned in close, almost brushing his lips against her ear, and whispered, “I just want to hold you for a while.”
And she wanted to be held. Snuggling in his arms, she placed her head on his chest.
“Monica?”
“Yes?”
“I never got around to telling you what type of woman fascinates me.”
She recalled asking him that question earlier. “And what type of woman is that?”
“The kind you are.”
Monica lifted her head to look up at him. Although she had appreciated what he’d said, she wondered how he could make that assumption when he honestly didn’t know her that well. Granted, they had spent time together over the past few days, but still, it didn’t seem like anywhere near enough. Not to make the kind of statement Landon seemed to be making.
“And what kind of woman do you think I am?” she asked, her pulse rate spiking at the intensity of his gaze.
He gently caressed the side of her face. “I think you’re a woman with hidden passions. Someone who can rock my world just as hard as I can rock hers.”
Monica’s heartrate stared beating in triple time. She cleared her throat. “And why would you think something like that?”
Instead of answering, he lowered his head and captured her mouth with his. She immediately picked up on the fact that this kiss was different from the one he’d given her last night. Last night’s kiss had hinted at passion. This one was filled with hunger.
His tongue was tangling with hers with a need she could feel in every part of her body, causing her to practically melt.