Stars Over Alaska (Wild River #4) - Jennifer Snow Page 0,69

His only reprieve was knowing Leslie didn’t love him in return, therefore the choice of whether or not to be together wouldn’t be up to him.

She stepped closer and he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He closed his eyes, wanting to savor this time together, but he could feel her uncertainty, her conflicted heart. She wanted to take comfort in him, but thought she shouldn’t. “Hey, I’m here for you. Anything you need...” This last part would be torture, but he needed to reassure her that her feelings and actions weren’t wrong. That they could live in the moment without consequences or expectations. “And none of this has to mean anything more than it does right now.”

She pulled back slowly, and her gaze flitted from his eyes to his lips, her expression clearly debating whether what he said was true. Could they act on their impulses without having it become another complication or source of regret?

Levi knew what he wanted and he knew it was wrong to want it, but damn if he could put on the brakes without hurting her and torturing himself.

But like before, he waited for her to act first.

Standing on tiptoes, she bridged the gap between them and only a brief hesitation flashed in her eyes before her lips met his.

He wasn’t going to think. He was going to shut off all thoughts that could destroy this moment. He wouldn’t think about the past or their complicated history. He wouldn’t think about what happened next, the day after or when she would eventually leave again.

Living in the moment was something he wasn’t particularly good at, but he’d just assured her that’s all this was and when Leslie’s soft, delicious lips pressed against his, it was easier. He grabbed her hips and pulled her body tight into his as his lips parted and he gave her tongue access to his mouth.

His hands caressed her ass through the fabric of the skin-tight leggings. So firm. So sexy. Her entire body was strong, sculpted. She wasn’t skinny; she was solid muscle, with a tantalizing amount of curves. Her hips, ass and breasts would make any man weak at the knees.

Her arms went around his neck and he lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist as he deepened the kiss. This was his best friend, someone he never thought he could have, yet here she was in his arms for the second time that day and he didn’t want to let go, didn’t want to lose her again. He wanted this. Wanted her. He groaned against her mouth as he felt himself thicken instantly. Her kiss was everything he’d fantasized about over the years, but so much more than he’d ever expected. He wanted to believe he wasn’t imagining the intensity of her passion or the emotions he felt being reciprocated. “Leslie...” he said through a strangled sound.

“Take me inside,” she whispered.

Damn, how he wanted to. “Selena and Chad are in there.” Both occupying separate bunk rooms. The cabin wasn’t exactly the best place for any kind of privacy.

“The igloo?” she whispered against his lips, kissing him eagerly again.

The igloo it was. Quickly, he set her back on the ground and unzipped the door flap.

Within seconds they were inside and he’d cleared space on the blankets. He lay back against the mountain of cushions and she straddled him, leaning down to capture his mouth with her own once more.

Levi gripped her thighs as he returned the kiss with everything he had. He didn’t know how many chances he’d get to kiss her, so he wasn’t wasting any opportunity to show her how he felt. His tongue explored her mouth, savoring the taste of the champagne still on her lips. She moaned and her hands roamed all over his chest and shoulders and arms.

Knowing that she wanted him was driving him insane.

She slipped her hands under his sweater and her fingers gently grazed his flesh. She broke contact with his mouth and lowered her face to his neck, kissing gently along his ear and down the side.

His breath caught, then quickened and his grip tightened on her waist. “Leslie, you’re killing me.” She had to know the power she had over him. He was helpless against her advances, his guilt not strong enough to give him the energy to resist. But he wouldn’t tell her his heart was also on the line or that she held it in her hands. He’d meant what he’d told her—this