CHAPTER THREE #2
He nodded, his eyes flicked to her mouth then back up to her eyes. “If I kissed you, would you be offended?”
“W—what?” Offended certainly wouldn’t have occurred to her if he kissed her. Shock maybe. Yes, absolute shock.
His eyes searched hers for a moment longer. Obviously there was no resistance there or he wouldn’t have said what followed.
“Oh fuck it.”
He didn’t hesitate, take it slow, or coax her. It was a body slamming, assertive, deep, tongue delving kiss that lit her soul on fire. His hand went to the back of her head and the other traced down her spine to her lower back, pressing her to him.
After her initial astonishment, her insides heated up and emulsified.
She moved her arms around his neck and twisted her fingers in his hair and kissed him back while pressing against him.
Her body shaped against every perfect muscular contour he had.
She knew she fit against him flawlessly.
It was her height and her slender form. It made her flexible.
God she could feel the heat of him through her clothes!
His amazing masculine scent filled her nostrils, driving her close, wanting more.
He sensed it, and his hand slid from her back to her bottom, cupping one of her cheeks and lifting her up to him, pelvis to pelvis.
He was a full blooded assertive male. He was hot, sexy and sure as hell knew how to kiss a woman. His mouth was warm, hard, and demanding just like the rest of him. She was lost.
He pulled back meeting her eyes and slowly released her bottom allowing her to touch the floor with her toes.
She stared at him speechless. Her eyes most likely registered the desire and wonder she was feeling.
A triumphant smile of discovery graced his handsome features.
It was like she’d met his expectations despite her confessions of not being intimate.
“You kiss like the devil.”
She did? “I—I think you get that compliment.”
“Yes, but I’ve had experience. You are a natural.”
“I am?”
He nodded. “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold. I need a shower…a cold one.” He released her completely, kissed her lightly on the forehead and left whistling to himself.
She plunked herself on the stool and stared at her plate of cold eggs propping her chin on her hand.
She picked up her fork and stirred them absently.
Was it possible to fall more in love with someone?
He literally blew her mind. She may have been confident with everything else in her life at this time, but with men it was different.
She always felt awkward, and gangly. He made her feel sexy, beautiful, and most importantly, desirable.
She never saw herself in that light before.
Well, she could certainly get addicted to it.
Her fingertips slid over her swollen mouth.
The action made her belly flip-flop at the memory.
It was obvious to her now that Lance may seem so put together, calm and reserved, but he was a different man when it came to passion.
Probably much like he was in the courtroom.
He dished it out pretty aggressively. Gosh, though, if that was just a taste he could butter his bread with her after he really unleashed himself on her.
She’d melt in his arms. Oh, and what he did with his tongue was—
Enough of that! she scolded herself. She had to eat and get ready. The drive was more than two hours in good traffic.
Her eyes went back to her cold breakfast. She was hungry.
She could have easily heated it up, but she honestly didn’t want to mess around in his kitchen, and Mavis seemed to have disappeared when Lance grabbed her.
She smiled slightly and looked down at her breakfast again.
Then she shrugged, and ate it anyway. It certainly wasn’t the first time she had cold food.
Nursing made it difficult to take breaks on time, or at all.
You couldn’t exactly wave good-bye in the middle of a code because you’re hungry.
She smiled to herself. God, she loved her job.
After she ate, she went to her room to get ready.
Her dress for the wedding was a red A-line chiffon cocktail dress with v-neckline.
The bodice was ruched and the material fell to her knees showing her long shapely legs.
It was suitable for July weather. She’d actually bought it for a function in Sulphur Springs and ended up working that night instead.
It was nice to finally take it out and wear it.
Red actually looked really good on her. The dress cost her about a hundred dollars, but it actually looked like it cost more when she put it on.
She knew she looked good in it. Well, she thought she did. She was hoping Lance thought so too.
She sat on the bed and put the silver heels on that Lance bought. People would be able to see them in this dress at least. The other one was too long and they were such beautiful shoes.
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” she said continuing to put her shoes on. She actually thought it was Mavis, but surprisingly it was Lance.
She may have thought she looked good, but Lance had her beat.
He wore a black suit, dark blue tie with darker pin striping, and black shirt.
The dark material set off his gorgeous eyes and again, his physique.
His facial hair was neatly trimmed to stubble on his firm square jaw.
He was dressed to impress, and boy did he ever.
His brows rose when he saw her. “Red. What a perfect choice. Stand. Twirl.” He held out his hand.
She smiled up at him, finished strapping on the last heel, and accepted his offered hand. She twirled in front of him.
He let out a long slow whistle. “You are going to shame the bride.”
Her face went as red as her dress. “It’s not that good.
” She smoothed her hands down her dress feeling a little self-conscious.
She was insecure about her appearance because he’d dated a lot of women, a lot of gorgeous women.
She didn’t think she was unattractive, but she certainly wasn’t in their league.
He rubbed his stubble dusted chin with his thumb and forefinger while contemplating her words. “You’re right.”
Her face fell, but he continued.
“Darling, you are stunning,” he corrected with a look of interest. Then he scanned the length of her slowly, taking his time to savor her appearance, before he met her eyes. “Your legs are sexy as hell, Tammy. Firm, long and smooth.”
She flushed and waved a hand at him to change the subject. “Look at you. You’re going to have women following you like the Pied Piper.”
He chuckled. “Flattery? And so over the top.”
She gave him a sly sideways smile. “This from the man who confessed how he looked to the opposite sex.”
He nodded. “True. I know what I look like. I’m also rich and smart as hell. So I know this is a pathetic distraction to stop me from complimenting you.”
She rolled her eyes embarrassed, but she should have known better. “Yes Lance, you are intelligent, but I meant it—popular with the opposite sex.”
“One woman at a time suits me fine.” He met her eyes.
“Until you get bored.”
He nodded in agreement.
“What is the life expectancy of your semi-serious, Lance?”
“Depends on the woman, and our compatibility.”
“Such as?”
He threaded his fingers through her hand, gave her a sly look, and led her toward the door of her room. “To answer your question, you have to answer mine first. If you want to know about my personal relationships, you have to tell me about Richard.”
That shut her up.
“Good choice.” He glanced at his watch. “Time to go. We have a two hour drive in traffic to reach the Hamptons before noon. Do you have everything you need?”
“Oh, my purse.” She went back and picked it up from the end of the bed where she left it.
She turned back and soaked up his striking image while he stood in the doorway waiting patiently and poised with his eyes on her.
Suddenly she felt a wash of gratitude. The way the Hartleys, and especially Lance, were going out of their way for her was very overwhelming.
She couldn’t possibly return the favor in her lifetime.
She walked up to him and squeezed his hand.
“Lance, I have to thank you for all of this.”
He stared down at her thoughtfully. She could see something shift in those gorgeous honey-brown eyes of his as he contemplated her words.
She felt her abdominal muscles contract involuntarily as they stared at one another.
Then he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.
“No worries, Tam. Like I said before, you are part of our family.” His thumb caressed the diamond ring she wore.
“And you are one of the most unselfish people I know. Sometimes you need to be looked after too.” He led her out of the room without another word. His compliment warmed her insides.
***
“Why did you kiss me?” She wasn’t going to bring that up, but she couldn’t help it.
It was niggling her. They’d been riding in the car for ten minutes in silence; him in complete comfort, and her feeling awkward.
Out of all the women he had to choose from, it seemed as if he was beginning to get interested in her.
Not that she’d complain, but she had problems trying to understand why, and more importantly she really didn’t want her heart shattered.
He adjusted his big body on the plush leather of the seat to stare at her. His eyes moved over her face for a moment before he spoke. “First, because you seriously needed it. Second, because you have an incredible mouth, Tammy. I wanted to taste it,” he answered honestly and softly.
Her brows rose. “Really?” He thought her mouth was incredible?
He nodded.
“And?” Her curiosity got the better of her again. She wanted to know what he thought of her kisses.
He grinned.
She blushed. “Thanks Lance, I needed that boost of confidence for today.”