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  “That sounds like a lot of fun.”

  “You won’t mind if Mike tags along, will you? He’s my best friend and we tend to stick together like glue, even when we’re off duty. Does that bother you? You know he likes you a lot.”

  She thought of all the times the three of them had shared a quiet lunch or a quick cup of coffee before or after class. She’d liked being the only woman at a table with two gorgeous hunks. And they’d never made her feel left out or started talking over her head. They were both gentlemen who were solicitous of her comfort and made her feel good.

  “No, I like Mike. You know that.”

  “How much?” His teasing eyes challenged her.

  “How much what? How much do I like Mike?” Slowly he nodded, the smile still on his face. She liked this playful side of him. “A lot,” she shrugged, teasing right back.

  “Enough so that if he’d been bold enough tonight you’d have gone home with him instead of me?” The lopsided grin on his face didn’t fool her. Like a typical man, he wanted his ego stroked, but she wasn’t adverse to that—as long he did some stroking when it became her turn.

  “I guess we’ll never know.” She grinned in what she hoped was a mysterious way as she sipped her wine and he seemed to accept her answer for now.

  They talked more about general subjects for a little while, comparing likes and dislikes. It was a comfortable conversation, and despite the situation, it put her at ease.

  She knew that by coming here she was agreeing to spending the night with Peter. Frankly, she’d been fantasising about it for a long time, but now that the moment was almost upon her, she was nervous.

  Peter moved closer to her on the couch, tempting her with a cracker he’d spread liberally with Brie. She took a bite, daring to nibble on his fingers when he didn’t pull away. He held her gaze as he popped the rest of the cracker into his mouth, licking his fingers in a sensual way that made her body flush with heat.

  “Lilly…” He seemed to lose his train of thought as their gazes locked and held. “I missed you so much while we were away.”

  His confession tugged at her heartstrings. “I missed you too.”

  He placed both their glasses on the coffee table, then wrapped his arms around her and brought his lips to hers. The kiss was tempestuous and filled with promise as his hands roamed down her back, to her waist and below, framing her hips as best he could. When he finally let her up for air, she was panting. His kiss lit her insides on fire!

  “Lilly, I want you so bad.”

  She read the need in his expression. It matched her own. “I want you too, Peter.”

  A slow grin spread over his face. He stood, tugging her to her feet beside him.

  “How about a tour of the rest of the house?” He waggled his eyebrows as he tucked her hand into his.

  “Let’s start with the bedroom.”

  A sense of eager anticipation filled her. Finally, some of those scandalous dreams, those midnight fantasies were coming true. She was eager and apprehensive all at the same time, but thrilled by the prospect of finally having something—someone—she’d thought she’d never have. Greatly daring, she licked her lips before replying.

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  He led her down another hallway to a beautifully masculine bedroom decorated in sophisticated chocolate browns and pale blue. A decorator had to have created the basis for the room, but Peter had added his own personal touches. The room was tidy—everything tucked into drawers or in the closet that stood open at one end of the room—but he wasn’t a neat freak, just neat. She liked that.

  In fact, she liked everything about him. She’d known him for months now and they’d gotten acquainted little by little. He’d been slowly seducing her with his strong personality for a long time, but she’d only just realised it tonight.

  Tonight was the turning point in their relationship. This could be the start of a new era for them as a couple, or it could lead to heartache. Lilly knew she had to take the chance on him. He was just that special.

  Chapter Four

  When he closed the door and followed her into the spacious room, her heartbeat sped up in anticipation. Now was the moment. The start of something new and incredibly special. She turned to face him, but he was still several feet away, getting something out of a drawer. He turned back to her, his expression solemn.

  “I want you to see this. I want you to know you’re safe with me.” Peter handed her the piece of paper he’d retrieved from the drawer.

  It was some kind of medical report. She was shocked for a moment, but then curiosity got the better of her. When she looked closer, she realised it was the results of recent blood tests the Army had conducted on Peter showing that he was healthy as a horse and not infected with anything from his many travels, including any nasty STDs.

  “I’m not trying to talk you into anything or pressure you in any way.” Peter’s eyes were kind when she handed the paper back to him. “They keep a close eye on us in the service—especially our special ops group, since we get sent to some pretty exotic places. I just wanted you to know… I didn’t want you to worry about anything with me.”

  “You’re sweet, Peter.” She cupped his cheek and leant in for a tender kiss. “Thank you.”

  “I haven’t been with anyone since I met you, Lilly.” His impassioned whisper made her draw back in surprise.

  “A man as gorgeous as you? You could have any woman at the gym, including more than a few of the married ones, if you wanted them.” She tried to laugh, but her words were no more than the truth.

  “I’m not that kind of guy. Once I saw you, Lilly, I knew it was you or no one. I’ve been waiting for this for months.”

  “Months?”

  “Six months, to be exact. It hasn’t been easy.” His arms came around her waist, pulling her closer. His eyes mesmerised her as he captured her gaze.

  “I’m clean too, and on the pill. But you’ll have to take my word for it.” She blushed at the brazen statement and the fact that she hadn’t really thought about protection until he mentioned it. Normally she was the most careful of women, but with Peter, all her common sense went right out the window. She was glad he’d brought up the subject because she’d been too caught up in the moment to be cautious.

  “I know you’re a modest woman, Lilly. That’s just one of the things I admire about you. You don’t even realise that every man in that gym holds their breath each day to see if you’re wearing your regular T-shirt and long pants or that sexy lycra top and shorts you only wear when it’s really hot outside. They live for the days you wear the lycra. Hell, I’ve lived on memories of you in that form-fitting get up for months now.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Afraid not, sweetheart. You’re a knockout with a killer body and an equally appealing intellect. I started to really fall for you the first time we had lunch together. Do you remember all the things we talked about? I’ve never been so fascinated by a woman’s opinions and thoughts.”

  “And I thought for a jock, you had a sharp mind, but I still lusted over your biceps.”

  “My biceps, eh?” He drew her closer, flexing those deliciously pumped muscles in his arms.

  “Mm-hmm. Some of the girls like to watch you do squats because you have a really nice butt,” she giggled as his eyebrows rose in surprise, “but I always like to watch when you work your upper body. Didn’t you ever notice how more women started to come in on the days you and your guys were scheduled for weight sessions after your martial arts classes?”

  “I must be slipping. I didn’t notice any other woman but you, Lil.” He leaned in to nuzzle her ear. “You’ve been my obsession for the past half year.”

  She was flattered. Stunned too, but mostly flattered. There was no question he was telling the truth as he saw it. She knew Peter well enough to know that he never said anything he didn’t mean. He didn’t lie to women. He didn’t have to. He was a rarity in modern times—a man who lived by an old
fashioned code of honour that ruled his actions and the way he moved in the world. He was honest, honourable and loyal.

  “I’ve been watching you too, Peter,” she admitted, laying her cards on the table.

  “I’m glad. I’ve been dreaming of this the whole time we’ve been away.” He leant in, kissing her as he walked them toward the big bed.

  His hands were everywhere, making short work of removing her clothes. She was down to her bra and panties before the backs of her legs even touched the soft side of the bed. Peter looked down at her with fire in his eyes.

  “You’re gorgeous, Lilly.” For the first time in her life, she truly felt gorgeous when Peter looked at her like that.

  “And you’re overdressed.” A hint of shyness trembled in her voice, but she was determined to be daring tonight.

  She attacked the buttons of his shirt, enjoying uncovering him bit by bit. She pulled the tails of his shirt out of his waistband and then pushed the unbuttoned shirt off his massive shoulders. The cotton of his T-shirt was soft from many washings and warm from his hard body. She leaned in and rubbed her cheek over the softness covering his muscular chest as she tugged at the hem, freeing it from the waistband of his pants.

  He helped her when she pushed the cotton T-shirt up and over his hard-packed abs, lifting his arms and taking the shirt off completely. He let it drop to the floor, his hands going to her bare waist as she stepped back to tackle his belt.

  “Kick off your shoes,” she instructed, but he put her away from him.

  “Can’t oblige, sweetheart. I’m wearing boots.” Her disappointed gaze flew to his feet. “But I give you an A for eagerness. Get your pretty tush on the bed, Lilly. I’ll be right with you. Promise.”

  “Hurry.”

  Chapter Five

  She slid onto the silk coverlet, loving the sensation of the sinful fabric against her mostly bare skin. Peter sat on the edge of the bed to remove his footwear and she admired his muscular back and arms as he moved. He was like living art. Not professional-weightlifter-big, but definitely masculine and hotter than any man she’d ever been with.

  Not that she’d been with many. She was selective as a rule and until she’d crossed paths with Peter, Mike and their friends, she’d never known any men so physically fit, much less dated one.

  She heard his boots drop to the floor and Peter stood again, facing her.

  “Damn, babe, you look good in my bed. I’ve been picturing you right there for months now.”

  His hands went to the belt she hadn’t managed to unfasten and took over the job, unlatching the catch. He released the button on his pants, then slid the zipper down, the sound rasping over her senses with naughty promise. She licked her lips, hoping to provoke him and was gratified when he swore. His eyes zeroed in on her mouth and she knew exactly what he was thinking. She was thinking the same thing. It had to do with him, naked, at the mercy of her hands, her lips and her tongue. She wanted to taste him more than anything.

  She’d never been overcome with such a desire before. She’d gone down on a few men in the past, but always at their urging. It wasn’t something she’d ever initiated or desired as strongly as she desired to do it now.

  Slowly, she prowled forward on the bed until she knelt before him. Taking over the job, she lowered his pants and pushed them out of her way, noting the boxers he wore with satisfaction. She liked the way men looked in boxers. Particularly this man.

  His aroused cock jutted out, forming a tent in the white cotton that piqued her curiosity. With eager hands, she pushed the boxers down his legs, uncovering a massive cock that didn’t disappoint. He was thick and long and looked like he could go all night. She’d gladly put that theory to the test.

  “Do it, Lil,” he commanded. She liked the dominant tone but knew he was leaving the choice up to her. His hands remained at his sides, allowing her to make her own decisions. “Please, Lil. You’re killing me here.”

  She looked up to meet his gaze, glad to see some humour in his expression. He wasn’t sure of her yet, but he would be before the night was through, just as she’d learn his wants and needs. Right now, he’d learn she wasn’t a tease.

  She lowered her head and licked the straining tip of him, getting acclimated to his unique taste. There it was, the flavour of him she’d been so unaccountably curious about. He was pleasantly salty and warm. She opened her mouth and took him inside, using her tongue to rub the sensitive underside of the head until she heard him growl. Oh, she liked that sound. She wanted to make him do it again, but he stepped back and she lost her prize.

  “Not so fast, baby. If I let you do too much of that, it’ll be all over before it’s even begun.” A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he climbed on the bed, pushing her back with gentle hands on her shoulders. “You are so sexy.” His whispered words stroked across her chest as he lowered his head to nibble at the delicate curves of her breasts.

  He pushed the cups of her lacy bra down to reveal her, cupping her in his warm palms, using his fingertips to pinch her nipples and make her moan. He grinned and lowered his lips, zeroing in on one hard point, continuing to tease the other with his fingers.

  When his hot mouth closed over her breast, she bit her lips at the pleasure to keep from crying out. She’d never been very vocal, but something about Peter’s slightest touch made her want to shout her pleasure from the rooftops. No man had ever been so exciting, so explosive. And they were only just getting started.

  His lips moved across her chest to the other side and his hands went to the elastic of her panties, pushing them down her legs with her eager assistance. He pulled back, letting her nipple go with a wet popping sound as he gave it one last long suck. She shuddered as he sat back to look at her.

  He moved even farther away and her body grew warmer under his hot gaze.

  “Spread your legs, Lil. Show me your pussy. I’ve been dying to see you naked in my bed.”

  Shyly, she complied, widening her legs as he watched, feeling naughty in the extreme.

  “Use your hands, baby. Spread yourself for me.”

  She followed his directions, panting now as she watched his reaction. His eyes were trained on the apex of her thighs in a blatant show of dominance that she found exciting. Feeling wicked, she used one finger to rub her clit, then swept lower, stroking just slightly within the place that wanted his attention most.

  “Don’t make me wait, Peter.”

  He crawled closer on his hands and knees, right between her spread legs. He bent her knees, pushing them back towards her shoulders and spreading her even wider as he settled between her thighs.

  His finger slid inside and she gasped. A puff of warm breath skated over the exposed skin of her inner thighs as he chuckled. Their eyes met. As if he’d been waiting for her full attention, he lowered his head the final distance, licking her clit with a sensitive intensity that sent her into orbit. She stifled a scream as she came around his finger, the movement of her hips controlled by his weight on her body.

  Before she even had time to catch her breath, he swept upward, his forearms framing her head as he covered her. He looked deep into her eyes as his hard cock pushed deep into her quaking body.

  “Now it begins,” he whispered against her lips as he placed an almost reverent kiss upon them, joining them fully. He rested against her—inside her—for a moment, seeming to savour it, but she wanted him to move. She’d kill for him to move!

  “Peter,” she gasped as he drew back to look down at her once more. Holding her attention, he flexed his hips.

  She hadn’t thought it could get any better than the beautiful orgasm he’d just given her, but she was learning fast that Peter liked to surprise her. The fire rekindled—it had never really left—and she moved with him as he set up a rhythm that made her want to scream.

  “Damn, baby. I dreamt of this, but even my dreams weren’t this good.” His skin was slick against hers as they strained together, his muscles standing out as he held himself a
bove her.

  “Mine either.” She had a hard time forming sentences, she was too far gone.

  “Wrap your legs around me, Lil. I want to feel you gripping my waist, your little feet against the backs of my thighs.”

  She did as he asked. She’d fantasised about him too and the reality was so much better, she could have cried. If she could have caught her breath. She was panting as he increased his pace.

  “Now, Lil. Come with me now!” He thrust into her even more forcefully.

  Once. Twice. And then the stars exploded around her. A scream was torn from her throat as she felt him join her in the most amazing climax she’d ever experienced.

  It had never been so good. Or lasted so long. He continued to pulse minutely, dragging their pleasure out as her body quaked and clenched around him. A groan sounded near her ear and rumbled from his chest, heightening her pleasure.

  There was no doubt he’d enjoyed himself as every muscle in his gorgeous body flexed with tense pleasure. She’d done that to him. She’d given him this moment, this shared passion. The thought made her feel special, just for a few seconds. Special and somehow…needed, maybe. No one had ever made her feel that. Ever.

  “God, baby. We’ve been dreaming of you for so long.” His breath whispered against her ear as he drew her closer, rolling so that she lay over him. “But I never expected it to be this good. I think we may need to keep you.”

  The sexy rumble of his voice stirred her senses but she was so drowsy in the aftermath of the greatest pleasure she’d ever known, she didn’t have the energy to question his use of the proverbial royal we. She’d noticed that about him and Mike. They often spoke of themselves as one unit, but that probably just came from working together so closely for so long. She let it slide as exhaustion claimed her and she fell asleep in his strong arms.

  Chapter Six

  Lilly woke in a strange bed, surrounded by decadent silk sheets and morning sun. It was like a little slice of heaven and the luxuriously fluffy mattress was her own private cloud. She stretched, remembering the glorious night she’d spent here with Peter and decided the analogy was a good one. She discovered she was a little tender in places that hadn’t seen action in far too long. A smile curved her lips as she got out of bed and headed for the attached bath.