Page 54 of Fox in Plain Sight

“You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t you?”

She nodded slowly. “Don’t I deserve that?”

He swallowed. “Oh, you deserve so much. It’s just, I’m not the kind of guy who’s used to talking about… well, about what he feels.”

“And here, I thought you were such a smooth talker, flirting with me so I’d sleep with you.”

“It’s different now.”

She took a step closer. “Yeah? What’s different?”

“After what happened today, after almost losing you…” He shoved a hand through his hair. “…I don’t think I could handle if something happened to you…” He sighed. “Damn it, Michelle, maybe you could help me a little here.”

“How?”

“By telling me that I mean something to you?”

A soft smile that extended to her eyes formed on her lips. Her hand came up and she stroked his cheek. “Oh, Nick, the shy boy from Indiana. He’s still in there, isn’t he? And he’s afraid to say what he feels because he’s worried that he’ll be rejected, just like his parents rejected him.” She shook her head.

How could she know what was holding him back? “How do you—?”

“You told me so yourself, Nick. You told me that your parents didn’t really want to see you after the divorce. I don’t need to be a psychologist to guess what that would have done to that boy.” She ran her finger along his lower lip. “Now try again. Give me a reason to stay.”

Nick took a deep breath. “I’m in love with you. I know it’s happening too fast, but if you believe in love at first sight, then believe in this. Believe that I’ve fallen for you and that I’ll do everything in my power to protect you.”

Her fingers stroked gently over his cheek. “Now, was that so hard?” She brushed her lips on his. “So does that mean I get to move in with you?”

He pulled his head back, grinning, his confidence at an all time high now. “I think you’re forgetting something.”

She looked at him quizzically. “What?”

“That you have to give me a reason to let you move in.”

She chuckled, and her breath tickled his lips. “What if I told you that despite you lying to me at every turn, you’ve managed to work yourself into my heart?” She paused for a moment. “And then there’s the fact that you saved my life, not once but twice. I think that needs to be rewarded.”

“Rewarded, how?” He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him.

“You get to choose your reward.”

Nick grinned from one ear to the other. “Well, in that case…” He lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

“You’re very predictable,” she said, a soft laugh rolling over her lips.

“Yeah, well, I’m not really concerned about that right now.” He placed her on the bed and rid himself of his suit jacket. “Get naked, baby, ’cause I’m ready for my reward.”

Moments later, he joined Michelle in bed, both of them now naked.

He rolled over her, bracing himself above her. “As to your question about what I’m gonna keep an eye on most… That would be this part here.” He tapped against her temple. “Just to make sure you don’t come up with another brilliant idea that puts you in danger.”

“I did n—”

He drowned her protest with a kiss. Like a kitten, she yielded to him immediately. He pulled back for a second. “Now about that reward…” He rolled off her then pulled her on top of him. “I don’t think you’ve ridden me yet.”

She pushed herself up, her legs sliding to either side of his hips. “Are you sure you really want to relinquish control to me?” Her eyes sparkled and her smile was sinful.

Nick felt himself grow harder beneath her core. “Michelle, when it comes to you I never had any control to begin with. So why start now?” He rocked his hips upward, nudging her with his cock. “Can’t you feel what you’re doing to me? This shy boy from Indiana is at your mercy.”

She shook her head, laughing, and leaned toward the bedside table to snatch one of the condoms there. “Then let’s put this shy boy out of his misery.” With skilled hands she sheathed him, then got on her knees, adjusting her position above him.