Page 66 of Animal Beats

I laugh. A full-throated, deep laugh. When have I ever laughed with a naked woman? “This is one bet I will gladly accept. I love it when you come for me.”

Her cheeks pinken. Bowing her head, she replies, “I was only kidding. You make me feel wonderful.”

I tip her chin up toward me. “So do you.” Because I can, I kiss her. “So do you.” My hand goes to my cock and I grab the condom. “Stay here.” Pushing the blankets to both of our feet, I revel at how amazing she looks, then leave her on the bed while I take care of the spent condom.

When I return to the bedroom, Hayden’s sitting upright, phone in her hands. “Hey, there’s a boat trip around the Tagus River.” I tilt my head, and she explains, “The river around Lisbon.”

When I don’t react, she adds, “Where we are now.”

Ah—hard to keep track. I nod, interested in seeing what got her so excited.

“There are so many great sights along this trip”—she rattles off at least a dozen monuments, bridges, and parks. She continues, “The tour leaves in about an hour.” In an excited voice, she reads the highlights off the internet. “What do you think?”

My answer is simple. “Are you going to be on it?”

“I’d like to. It’s supposed to be beautiful.”

“Sounds great. It’s a ‘yes’ from me.”

“Oh, Río, you’re the best.” She gets to her knees, uncaring she’s naked. Wrapping her hands around my neck, she kisses me, which I return with abandon—hey, I’m a red-blooded male!

I break the kiss. “If we’re going to make the launch, we better get dressed. Unless you’d rather …”

Hayden swats my shoulder. “You could tempt a nun.”

“How about I take a shower first, as I’ll be quick. Take your time picking out an outfit.” I grin. “Make it sexy!”

She shakes her head. “I better wear a brown paper bag, otherwise you’ll rip it off my body.”

“I doubt you’d be safe even in that!”

With another tap on my shoulder, I get out of bed and go into the bathroom. I look around and open the door. “There’s room for both of us in here!”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Take a shower, Romeo!”

Smiling, I turn on the hot water and take a relaxing shower. Of course, it would be better if she were here with me, but I need to conserve my energy if I’m going to give her five orgasms later. How on earth did she believe she couldn’t have more than one a night?

Soon I’m wrapped in the hotel’s fluffy white towel. I’m staring at myself in the mirror when Hayden enters. “Think I need to shave?”

She looks at my day-old scruff. “Nah. Go rogue today.”

“I like how you think.” I abandon the sink and make my way over to her, causing her to back up.

“No, no more of this! You get dressed and I’ll take a shower.” I don’t move. She makes a shooing motion.

My lips purse. “One for the road?”

She takes a deep breath. “Fine. One kiss. Then you’re out of here.” She sticks out her right hand. “Deal?”

When she put it so sweetly, how can I not give her what she wants? However, she does contradict what I want. “How about this? I give you a kiss now and you give me two when you get out? Seems fair.”

She laughs. I like it. “Fine.”

“Fine!” I swoop in and kiss the woman who has occupied all of my waking thoughts—and some of my sleeping ones too.

She tears her lips away. “Now, go!”

Because I’m me, I give her one more little peck, then leave her to enjoy her shower. I’m soon dressed for the boat ride in cargo shorts and t-shirt, and sitting on the loveseat facing the wall of windows overlooking the beautiful harbor. My phone rings. Without checking the caller, I answer, “Hello?”