A Moment Of Panic #3
“Mara texted us. She wanted us to be ready for anything. She was getting up to start baking when the alert went off on Seth’s phone. I’m so sorry you were all in potential danger because of me.”
He frowned at her. “Not because of you. It’s all due to the asshole. We found him lurking in the garden with his camera. Scared the shit out of him, but there was no danger to anyone.”
She managed a watery laugh. “I’m glad you scared him. He deserves it.”
“He does. Marcus is taking him to Phail Jail. He’ll figure out what charges he can stick on him.”
She managed to loosen her hold enough to lean back to look at Wyatt. “They always wiggle out of charges. They’re pretty sly about how they work.”
“He’s been caught trespassing for sure, but that’s not a charge that carries a lot of jail time.”
“Usually none at all. Mostly, they pay a fine, and that’s the end of it.” She knew that much from her past career.
“If the lens cap matches his equipment, there’s potential for a stalking charge. Marcus has been searching the internet, looking for evidence that he’s stalking you.”
A shudder of relief went through her. “I hope he finds some.”
“Arrow is good at his job.”
“Thank you.” Esme reached up on her toes and kissed him.
“Any time, Esme. Anything you need.”
She had to blink back tears at that. Other than Nans, no one had ever said anything even close to that. “Same, Wyatt. Anything you need.”
The tone changed instantly.
Wyatt’s eyes flared with need, and her body flamed at the look. She knew it was partly an adrenaline rush following the worry of Wyatt being hurt.
But she also knew it was right. “Do we need to meet the others?”
“It’s good to do a debrief to ensure everyone’s up to speed, but it’s up to you.”
Which meant it was all up to her. She didn’t need to do a check-in with her feelings because she already knew that she was tumbling hard and fast for this incredible man. “I have something else in mind.”
Wyatt’s hands flexed where they rested on her waist. “Do you?”
She’d never been this bold, but with Wyatt, it was easy. “Make love to me, Wyatt.”
A slow smile kicked up his lips as his eyes searched hers. “You’re sure?”
She nodded, let him see the desire and the certainty. “Very.”
Without breaking eye contact with her, he swooped her up into his arms, making her laugh. “I take it you’re sure, too.”
Wyatt’s chuckle rumbled over her skin. “Very.”
His echo of her words made her smile. He stopped so they could kick off their footwear and reset the alarm. Then he hustled up the stairs with her in his arms.
His strength was an added turn-on, as if she needed anything else. Her body was quaking with need and desire.
And love. This heady, giddy feeling of trust and need had to be love.
Wyatt turned into his room. “This okay? I’ve been dreaming of you in my bed. I want to live out that particular fantasy.”
“Fantasy?” Her voice was barely a whisper, and it shook with all the emotions tumbling through her.
“One of them, anyway. You’ve inspired a lot of fantasies, Esme. With those deep eyes that show such compassion and empathy, that smile that lights up over composters and chickens.”
She laughed at that, but the laugh died in her throat as Wyatt shifted to slide her down his body. The contact points flamed until she wasn’t sure she could stand. His strong arm banded around her.
“And then there are those legs. They go to the sky and back. I’ve got lots of fantasies around those legs.” His husky voice echoed her need.
“I’ve had more than a few fantasies of my own.” Her cheeks flushed, but the fire in Wyatt’s eyes stopped her embarrassment from taking hold.
“Tell me more.”
She smiled. “Well, being swept off my feet was a big one.”
He grinned, and she kissed him lightly. “Check.”
Wyatt’s hands cupped her face, and he leaned in to brush his mouth lightly over hers. He nipped at her lips and traced them with his tongue.
It only took a touch of their tongues to turn the kiss carnal, full of heat and desire. She’d never felt this intensity before, and she surrendered herself to the feelings consuming her body. If he was kissing her senseless, he could take care of the logistics.
Esme reached her hands under the sweatshirt Wyatt wore. His muscles were firm and hot. His reactions to her touches had that boldness surfacing again.
Humming with delight at being in control and touching this incredible man, she skated her hands up his chest, lifting the shirt as she went.
He took the hint and whipped off the hoodie with one hand, a surprisingly sexy move.
Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and kissed that broad expanse of muscle. His body reacted to her touch, and she delighted in the reactions, in the knowledge that she affected him as much as he did her.
“Going to kill me slowly, Esmeralda? I’ll die a happy man.”
A giggle escaped. When was the last time she’d giggled? Had she ever? “Esmeralda?”
The heat in his smile had her trembling. “It seems fitting. You’re bewitching, and it’s a bewitching name.”
“It’s just Esme.”
His grin widened. “There’s nothing just about you, Esme. You’re spectacular. Let me show you.”
Yes.