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Time away, some space, was normal in any new relationship.
As the pain weaved a treacherous path through her heart, it was hard to remember that.
She pulled an onion from the fridge and grabbed a cutting board and knife. Chopping with a delicacy and familiarity like she was born to do it, she diced the onion. Her hand shook, squeezing the knife tighter when a warm pair of hands wrapped around her waist.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, Gabriella.”
Sinking into his body, she sighed. “You didn’t upset me.”
Liar!
She promised not to lie again.
His hot breath fanned her neck. “I thought we said you wouldn’t lie to me again.”
Damn it. Even he knew she was lying.
Dropping the knife, she twisted around in his arms. “I told you I’d have to compete with your job, and I already am. I don’t like it. But this thing between us is new. So, I understand. Go to work today. It’s fine.”
He framed her face and stared for a moment before touching his lips gently to hers. “From sunrise to sunset, my mind is used to thinking about work. Even after the sun goes down, work is on my mind. That’s my life. Suddenly, you walk into my office with this attitude and spunk and this gorgeous ass and legs, and now my mind is struggling to focus on work. What’s between us scares me a little bit. You surprised me this morning, and I have no idea why. Because when I think about spending the day with you instead of work, it sounds much better.”
He lifted her onto the counter, pushing the cutting board of onions away. Pulling her close against his body, he grabbed another kiss. Slowly. Tenderly. “Please give me time to rework my brain around work. You will have a place in my life. I promise. I might make a few mistakes along the way. It won’t be easy to toss my work to the side.”
She wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, whispering fiercely, “I’m not asking you to toss your work to the side. I didn’t mean to make it sound like that. But itisSunday. It’s the weekend. You can take some time for yourself on occasion. And the weekend seems like the perfect time to do that. I give you permission to ravish me silly at any time today, too.”
A devilish grin punctured his handsome face. His eyes glittered with desire. “You tempt me now to ravish you right here on this counter. You didn’t let me finish. I’d love to spend the day with you.” He kissed her lips, then began a soft trail down her neck.
She opened her neck to give him better access. “You said you had to get things done today.”
“It can wait until Monday. It normally can. But I’m used to doing it right away. Don’t worry, Gabriella. I’m right where I want to be.”
Oh, God, she loved it when he said those words.
His kisses left a scorching touch as he made his way to her ear. “You smell delicious. You left the bed too soon. We didn’t have morning sex yet.”
“I only smell the onions. Are you telling me I smell like onions?”
He chuckled, nibbling on her ear. “I love onions. I’m curious to know what you’re making, but not that curious.”
She laughed, holding on tight as he lifted her from the counter and started walking. “Where are you taking me?”
“I told you. You left the bed too soon. I want what my mind was thinking about before you left.”
“Oh.”
“You’ll be saying more than that in a few minutes.”
Her eyes shined with laughter as he tossed her onto the bed, then joined her. It was the first time she noticed he was still gloriously naked. He had walked out of her bedroom and into her kitchen with every intention of bringing her back to the bedroom.
Perhaps she had worried for no reason at all.
Her spine tingled with anticipation as she saw the predatory gleam in his eyes. He was about to devour her. And she couldn’t wait. Food definitely could, though.
* * *
“I wishI could say I’m sorry for not going to the stadium, but I like right where we are,” Dane said, wrapping his arms around Gabriella a little more snuggly.
Was he being too clingy? He had a hard time keeping his hands to himself. If she was in his reach, he pulled her closer.
