From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,67

to embarrass himself again.

With one hand cradling her firm backside, he kept her anchored to his waist, and used his other hand to tend that slick nub he knew would push her to the edge.

Her body tensed and she hid her face against the side of his neck, her short nails digging into his shoulder muscles.

“Kiss me, Nikki,” he said, holding on to her ass when she started to squirm, and rubbing her faster.

She brought her head up, and looked at him, her eyes dazed. “I like that,” she whispered sweetly, a little shyly.

“This?” He kept rubbing her, keeping the pressure and pace steady, though tightening his hold.

She nodded, and pressed her mouth to his, letting him coax her lips apart. He waited for her tongue to enter and touch his, then sweep inside. That’s as far as she made it before she started whimpering, panting, teasing him with that soft purr. And puffing quick hot breaths into his mouth while she came.

* * *

NIKKI DRIED OFF his back, lingering on his ass, smiling when he flexed the muscles there. Her legs still weren’t all that steady. She wouldn’t totally relax until they were horizontal.

And had condoms within reach. That’s what was scary about getting tuned up in the shower. She’d had to really slam on the brakes. At one point she’d barely been able to think beyond wanting him inside her.

“Okay, I’m dry enough,” Trace said, turning to face her, and cupping her breasts. “And I’d prefer to keep a layer of skin, if you don’t mind.”

“And if I do?”

“I’ll have to convince you otherwise.” He leaned over, forcing her head back, knowing she wanted to make him break eye contact first. “I like that you’re short.”

“Why?”

“Want me to show you?”

“No.” She pulled away and scrambled to the bedroom, wishing she’d thought to turn back the quilt and sheets.

“What did you think I was gonna do?” he asked with that mischievous smile that usually meant she was in for a treat.

She pointed to the other side of the bed before he touched her and made her forget what she was about to do. “You get over there and help me with the quilt.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He yanked his side back, ignoring her attempt at neatness. He caught her frown and said, “You know we’re just gonna mess it up again.”

“True.” She laughed, happy, really happy, almost scary happy. Scary because the last time she’d felt this same light-headed giddiness had been with Luis. The high had only lasted a few days and involved too much tequila. It hadn’t ended well.

Thinking of Luis reminded her of the last phone call to her mom. Shockingly, he’d shown up at her mother’s apartment looking for Nikki. She hadn’t seen or talked to him in over a year. Although Nikki harbored no hard feelings toward him, she had nothing to say to him, either. She hated that her mom had to run interference, but it was a relief that he found out Nikki had left Houston. Luis was another shameful part of her past she’d worked on forgetting.

“Nikki?”

She blinked, saw that Trace had already crawled into bed and was staring at her.

“You okay?”

“Where are the condoms?”

“Right here.” He held up a handful of packets that he’d left on the nightstand.

“So optimistic.” Grinning, she slid in beside him.

“What I lack in stamina, I make up for in frequency,” he said, and they both laughed, although he flushed a bit. “Just so you know...that crack you made about me jumping the gun...that little problem I’ve been having is totally your fault.”

“How?” She snuggled up to his chest, his arms around her, keeping her warm and making her feel safe. Even knowing it wasn’t forever, being with Trace still felt perfect.

“Other than being sexy as hell, I’m not sure. All I’m saying is this isn’t the norm and I’m hoping it’s temporary.” He removed the clip holding up her hair and tossed it on the nightstand. “See?” he said, finger-combing the long strands that fell all over the place. “Just touching your hair, I’m getting hard again.”

She checked to see if he was teasing because it didn’t sound like it, and he really was semi-aroused.

Their gazes met. “And those eyes.” His voice lowered and the tender smile he gave her nearly melted her heart. “Those beautiful brown eyes. I have no defense.” He brushed the hair away from her face and kissed the side of her mouth. “And these lips...” He pressed a soft kiss at the