Body of Trust - Jeannine Colette Page 0,12

stand on edge, and my body tighten with expectation.

I momentarily close my eyes at the sensation that sends a chill down my spine.

“You’re beautiful,” he groans, and I open my eyes at his heady tone. “I’m sorry. That was wrong of me to say.”

I lift my hand to his chest and feel his heart pounding beneath the black shirt. His skin is hot, his body strong, and his breathing stills as my hand runs up to his shoulder and back down.

“It was. And, yet,” I look up into his eyes and let out a breath, “I’m glad you said it.”

“Why?”

“Because I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off of you since the day we met.”

There’s trepidation in his stare. And a yearning that’s fighting it. I know the feeling. I’m experiencing it too.

His other hand grips my waist, and I lean into him. Our bodies are flush against each other as our eyes and lips line up close. So daringly close.

I would say it has something to do with tonight’s events. Hell, maybe it does, but the truth is, I’ve been attracted to this man for a long time. Throw in some gunfire and a harrowing escape, and I’m putty in his hands. No, not putty. I’m fire. And I want to burn in a blissful rage of desire.

I swallow hard and keep my focus on his lips. Those same ones that tempted me earlier this evening. That feeling of want is so tangible, I can taste it.

His mouth parts, and before he can say a word, I rise to my toes and kiss him.

He stills for a moment, his lips flattened against mine. I open my lips over his, willing him to do the same. With my palms on his chest, I can feel his body give in as his lips move over mine, slowly at first. My body is shaking with need, desperate for this to go further. His hands clench the fabric of my dress as he holds a part of himself back.

My tongue slides against his, and his hands loosen their hold. I deepen the kiss, and a growl forms in his chest. All bets are off.

He grabs my hips; his lips move faster.

My arms are around his neck, pulling him into me as our tongues glide along each other. The strength of his tongue against mine is powerful and potent, sending an electric current through my body. His teeth bite my lower lip, and I feel it down to my core.

This man can kiss.

It’s not just in the way his lips move against mine. It’s the way he’s holding me, grasping at my skin, and how he strokes my hair, my cheeks, my body. Tingles run up my spine with every movement. Tingles explode when he backs me up against the wall. His body lines up against mine, and I can feel the heaviness of his arousal in the apex of my thighs.

“Jesse,” I breathe as his hand rises to my cheek and caresses it. I fall into his palm and bask in the feel of his soft touch.

“Tell me to stop, Amelia. There are a thousand reasons why this is wrong, but I can’t help myself.”

“Don’t stop,” I say urgently. “You have to know that I feel it too. Whatever this thing is, I want it.”

I run my fingers over his abdomen, and his stomach tightens at the touch.

“You’re just saying that because of tonight. Tomorrow, when the rush is over, you’ll come to your senses.”

“No. I’ve wanted you for so long. I need you, Jesse. Badly. Desperately,” I plead.

He swallows as he looks down at me, clenching my body to his and speaking into my lips, “I would have died for you tonight, Amelia.”

I believe him. I don’t know why he would feel this way, but I know his word is his bond.

As he leans down and takes my mouth in his again, I fall into his embrace and kiss him with everything I have.

The kiss goes on for moments.

It lasts for an eternity.

We’re a tangle of limbs and lips, and I still need more.

His hands ride up the bare skin of my thighs and under my dress. A moan escapes my lips when he grabs my ass and slides his hands under the silk of my panties, gripping them firmly. I jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist.

He carries me into the kitchen, setting me on the large island in the center. My legs part, and he settles