Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,31
compare, especially when they combined it with uninhibited, wild, cathartic sex. It had been the best thing about their relationship. But was that enough?
Her eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe he was actually considering it. He could barely believe it himself. Still, to save his business and protect his employees, it might be worth a shot. It would be a temporary fix at best, but right now a truce sounded good.
“If I give you another chance, and I’m not saying I will, how can I know you’ll keep your promise?”
“What promise? The one to be good?”
“The detailed one you’re going to make, if I take you back.”
She gasped. “You will? I mean, you might? I’ll promise you anything. And I’ll mean it. I’ll write it in blood, or whatever you want.”
“I’m not worried that you’ll agree to my conditions. I need to know you’ll honor any pact we make.”
She crossed her heart. “I will. I swear.”
He hesitated. There really was no guarantee, but if he made her think her behavior going forward made a difference, perhaps he could make the necessary repairs and keep his bar open. “In that case, I’ll consider it. That’s not a yes or no, you understand. It all depends on you and your future behavior.”
“Of course. I’ll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust. You’ll see.”
“In that case, I’ll mull it over and get back to you.” I must be out of my mind.
Chapter 9
Brandee had whipped up some scrambled eggs, but the whole time, Nick was nibbling on her ear and making suggestive remarks. He wanted to get her back into bed in the worst way, but he’d had to fight his animalistic nature and force himself out of bed so he didn’t just flip her over and take her savagely.
He should have known one condom wouldn’t do it when the two of them finally gave in to their desire. It was more than just physical need. Nick suspected it was love. He thought about her all the time. He wanted to make her happy, and it killed him to think of ever losing her. If he was right—if she was his mate—it was a love that would never end.
He didn’t want to scare her, so he had employed every measure of self-control he could think of to hold his animal nature in check. He mentally recited baseball statistics, counted to one thousand backward, and repeated the police officer oath of honor one hundred times. Too bad there wasn’t a boyfriend oath of honor. That’s what he really needed right now.
“Thanks for the early breakfast, sweetheart.”
“It was no trouble. I’m glad you told me you were hungry.”
“I’m still hungry, but not for food.”
Her eyes lit up. “You mean you’re fortified enough for round two?”
“Oh, yeah.” He picked her up and carried her over his shoulder to the bedroom while she laughed and grasped him around his torso.
As soon as he set her on her feet, he peeled off her robe and let it slip to the floor. “Damn, you’re incredible.”
She blushed. Redheads were prone to it, but she seemed to redden every time he gave her a compliment.
“So are you.” She dropped to her knees, carefully pulled his underwear out and over his erect cock, then yanked down his boxer briefs.
He stepped out of them, lifted her, and tossed her onto the bed. She squealed and laughed as she bounced on the mattress.
He caught himself grinning. He hadn’t smiled like this in ages. He could only hope she had let go of those gaps in her memory from the night of their abduction.
He lay down beside her and took in her scent. Musk and some flowery fragrance. The beast in him wanted to pounce, nip, and nuzzle. Maybe someday.
She licked her lips. A quick, nervous movement that caused his cock to swell even more in anticipation. His gaze slipped down her body. She had perfect breasts. Not too large or too small. Just right for his hands and mouth. Her waist was trim and her hips full, giving her beautiful curves. She took his breath away.
She reached out and stroked his jaw. “It used to make me mad that you were so unbelievably gorgeous.”
Surprised, he muttered, “Huh?”
“I didn’t want to fall for you. I thought you were one of those guys who considered himself God’s gift to women. I never imagined you’d be so…different.”
“I’m actually sort of on the shy side. I may have overcompensated a bit.”