“You had a fight?” Jayce asked.
Kristine frowned. “You could say that. I was demanding to know something she’s always refused to tell me. I thought she was keeping it to herself just because I was young and she didn’t think I would understand. All these years later, as an adult, I figured she could tell me anything. But she still refused. I blew up at her and stormed out.”
Jayce rubbed her back gently. “You couldn’t have known that this was going to happen. You’ll see her again, and I’m sure you’ll be able to forgive each other and get past it.”
“I hope you’re right.” She leaned into him, and they shared a hug.
Jayce ran his hand over her loose light-red waves, planting little kisses along her jaw. “I’ll be right here if you need me. It will be all right,” he whispered.
Kristine hugged him harder. “I wish I didn’t have to wait until tomorrow. The suspense is killing me.”
He cupped her face between his hands “I can think of a way we can pass the time and release some tension…” He held her stunning turquoise gaze. He didn’t know how open she’d be, but he’d never know if he didn’t broach the subject.
She snorted. A tiny curl of smoke rose between their faces. “Are you one of those guys who thinks you can fix everything with sex?”
At least she was smiling. Jayce smoothed her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “No. Did I say anything about sex?”
She laughed. “Don’t pretend that’s not what you meant and thatI’mthe one with a dirty mind.”
“Sex isn’t dirty. Not between two people who care about each other.”
Kristine hesitated. She seemed to be mulling something over. At last she rose, holding his hand in hers until he followed.
She led him to the second door on the left at the end of the hall. Opening the door, she allowed him into a very girly bedroom. It wasn’t teenage girly—maybe he should call it womanly or feminine. One wall behind the queen-size bed was painted lilac.
The main thing that stood out was the bedding. The top blanket was like a sumptuous cream-colored fur from some animal that didn’t exist…or if it did, it would have to be about ten feet tall. He had to conclude that it was faux fur, not the hide of the abominable snowman.
Lots of unnecessary pillows rested against the shabby white headboard. She closed the door behind him, and he wondered why. They were alone. Perhaps it was just out of habit. That made him wonder if she’d brought men here before. The look she gave him as she came closer was a little shy, so if she had entertained in this room, it hadn’t happened very often.
She caressed his chest, and his arms enveloped her automatically.
“So, what were you thinking we should do to blow off steam?” she asked and leaned forward to nuzzle his neck.
He couldn’t help chuckling. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.” He walked her backward until they both fell onto the bed, and he rolled her on top of him. Their lips found each other easily. This time the kiss wasn’t as much passionate as tender…loving.
A gentle agreement.
“Kristine, are you sure you want to do this? And please don’t joke around by asking what I mean. I need to know.”
She took a deep breath and held his gaze. “Let’s play it by ear. I could use the closeness. I don’t know if I need the whole shebang. Yes, it would relieve tension, and I have plenty of that. But I don’t want to force anything.”
He nodded. “Got it. Noshe-bang.”
Jayce just held Kristine, letting her take the initiative. She knew he wanted her. But did she know how much he desired and craved her?
Her lashes fluttered, but she let him kiss her eyes. Holding and stroking what he could reach, he hoped his touch soothed her. At least it seemed to. He could feel her relax in his arms.
She brushed his hair out of his eyes. His stubble had grown, and he hoped it didn’t scrape her. Little nibbles and tastes of his neck and jaw didn’t seem to put her off.
He wanted to explore and worship her body, leisurely, and perhaps this was the best time to do that. He would just have to be sure he didn’t drown in his own desire.
She parted her lips and let him feast on her tongue. The flood of passion eventually consumed them both, and she sucked his tongue, reveling in his attention as if it were what she needed to breathe. He tried to hold himself back so he didn’t just ravish her. But the restraint he was showing was about to kill him. He caressed her rib cage, swirled his tongue with hers, massaged her shoulders, and snuggled. Eventually he cupped her bottom and nuzzled her neck.
“I’m not wearing granny panties,” she whispered.
“From what I gathered, you’re not wearing any panties.” Jayce trailed his finger down her abdomen. Her black jersey had ridden up to her midriff without any help from him. Pausing at her belly button, he gave it a little swirl and then found the snap to her jeans and popped it open.
He waited to let her continue if she wanted to. She opened the zipper with one hand and at the same time yanked open the tie of his sweatpants with the other.
