you all the time. I know you’re scared and I know that I don’t have the best reputation, but you have to trust me. I wouldn’t commit to someone I’m just going to end up screwing over, and trust me, babe, I don’t want to hurt you.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about that anymore. And I don’t want you throwing your money away on me anymore.”
“I may not be as wealthy as the guy you were with, but I’m doing very well for myself.”
“That’s not the point. I wouldn’t care if you wiped your ass with hundred-dollar bills. I don’t want you spending money on me in an attempt to impress me.”
“You have a flair for words, baby.”
“It’s the alcohol.” She winked and laughed.
Dinner was delicious, and the company even better. “Is it weird I don’t really want this date to end yet?” Jessica asked as Slade drove them back to town.
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“Maybe I’ve just gotten so used to seeing you all the time that I’m suddenly sad to be going home alone.”
“How about we watch a movie at my house and I’ll take you home after?”
“Okay, I’d like that.”
Chapter 3
They sat on his couch, his legs stretched out with his feet on the coffee table, Jessica tucked under his arm, as the romantic comedy she had picked came to an end.
He kissed the top of her head and said, “Stay over tonight?” She looked up at him and caught him pouting. He brushed some hair away from her face. “Just one more night.”
“I’ve overstayed my welcome. I’m feeling better and it’s time I went home. But this was wonderful—a great date to finish off my two weeks here with you. What more could I possibly ask for?”
He continued to look down at her, his blue eyes piercing. He took the remote from her hand and put it aside.
“I’ll miss you,” Jessica whispered before fully realizing what she was saying or what was about to happen.
He leaned down and placed a kiss on the corner of her lips. When she didn’t stop him, he licked his lips and moved closer until his warm mouth met hers fully. It was a slow and tender kiss. He pulled back a little and looked at her, serious and hopeful. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling that the kiss was the beginning of something, something just as sweet as the kiss. He hesitated only a moment before once again leaning down; his hand cupped the back of her neck and lifted up a little. This time Jessica’s lips parted slightly, and, taking advantage of the unspoken welcome, he slowly slipped his tongue into her mouth, just a little, sweeping the top of her lip and then the bottom as he retreated. His tongue darted out and he tasted his own lips before closing his eyes and letting out a little groan.
“Come on, let’s get you home.” His voice was shaky.
“Uh…what?”
“That was…” He closed his eyes and took in a big breath. “Jesus Christ, Jessica, your lips taste like strawberries.”
She ran her tongue around her lips. “My lip gloss.”
“I’ve wanted to kiss you for months. I kiss you, and you taste like goddamn strawberries! I fuckin’ love strawberries. I want to eat you, do you understand? Your mouth…I want it.”
“Uh…” Sounded like a great plan to her.
“Nope. Get that look off your face. I’ve been waiting months, and now that I know this added thing about how your lips taste, I don’t want just a little more. I want so much more, and tonight was our first date and I’m trying to be a gentleman. So please get your strawberry mouth and your gorgeous ass up so I can take you home before I eat you up.”
Jessica’s breath was ragged, and she wanted to be eaten, even consumed. But Slade helped her up before standing himself. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, gifting her with a little frustrated groan, and led her to the door.
—
That night, Slade took over her dreams. He was such a strong, domineering man, and she wondered about the extent of his dominance. Would he be domineering in bed? Take charge? Have his way with her? Would she even like that kind of sex? She’d slept with a few men before, but it was never what she had always fantasized sex should be like: passionate, lustful, out of control. Sex hadn’t been terrible, but it was