Nailed - Opal Carew Page 0,57

fabric of the robe fell from her shoulder to her elbow. She started to shrug the other side down, too, but a soft rumble of laughter sounded deep in his chest and he leaned back, his gaze falling to her exposed breasts. Heat simmered through her and she wanted to feel his hands on her. Stroking her aching nipples. Cupping her in his large hands. But he eased the robe back up and pulled the front together, then tied the sash securely.

“Don’t look so rejected,” he said, his eyes glittering. “I’d love nothing more than to carry you back to bed and make passionate love to you.” He stroked her hair behind her ear. Tingles danced along her neck. “But I intend to wait until we can do it slowly and leisurely.” He smiled. “And I definitely like the idea of you thinking about me all day. Wanting me. Anticipating the next time we’re together.”

Her heart stuttered at the thought of him walking in the door this evening and sweeping her into his arms then into his bed, stripping away everything she wore until she was naked and vulnerable beneath him. She could imagine the gentle pressure of his hands on her skin … the nudge of his cockhead against her slick opening … the feel of him gliding inside.

“And I don’t want you to think that all I want from you is sex.” He stroked her cheek, and glided his fingers through her hair, his indigo eyes growing somber. “Especially after what I said the other night. I want you to know that you are more to me than just a sexual partner.”

He drew her into another kiss and his mouth moved on hers with passion. She melted against him, her heart swelling.

Could he mean…? Dare she hope he actually had feelings for her?

* * *

River walked into Giselle’s and glanced around. Tia was with a customer, so River walked to the jewelry counter, checking out the newest arrivals. There were some lovely chains and a large, star-shaped crystal pendant that glittered rose, purple, and green, depending on the angle of the light, caught her eye.

“Hi. May I help you with anything?”

River glanced around at the sound of Tia’s voice.

Tia’s eyes lit up. “My God, look at you! I didn’t even recognize you.”

River wore the same green dress she’d had on the day she came home after selecting a new wardrobe with Kane’s personal shopper. She loved this dress and especially loved the way Kane’s eyes had heated when he’d first seen her in it. That’s why she’d worn it today. To feel closer to Kane.

“You’ve changed. You look so much more sophisticated.”

River frowned. “I’m not sure I like that.”

Tia laughed. “No, it’s a good thing. You’re evolving. Finding a new style. But whatever look you wind up with will always be your own.”

But would it be?

“You still have five minutes before you can leave for lunch, right? So help me find a scarf to add some pizzazz to my outfit.” River lifted the star pendant from the display. “Maybe start with these colors.”

Half an hour later, she sat across from Tia at the restaurant, setting the bags with her new purchases on the bench seat beside her in the booth. After leaving Giselle’s, they’d seen a stunning pair of shoes in the window of the high-end shoe store a few doors down, a place she and Tia had only dreamed of shopping in. The shoes had slender heels that went on forever and were covered with tiny beads, forming a mosaic of colors … primarily the same as those in the scarf and pendant. Tia had insisted she go in and try them on and River instantly fell in love with them.

“I really think I can make a nail polish that will color shift like the pendant,” River said as the waitress filled their glasses with water.

“I’m sure you can. And you’re probably planning a caviar mani to go with the shoes. I bet you already have beads in the right colors.”

“You’re right.” River couldn’t help grinning broadly.

It was so nice being around Tia again. With Tia, River felt open about her creativity. And encouraged. Tia always spurred her to go further, rather than draw back like Kane did.

“So how’s married life?” Tia asked.

“It’s different, you know. It takes some getting used to.”

“But you love the guy?” Tia asked with eyebrow raised.

River locked gazes with Tia, seeing the concern in her friend’s sky-blue eyes.

“I do,” River said with