All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)(35)

“Charlie,” he whispered, then touched his lips to hers.

For a second there was nothing. Then her mouth moved against his. Her arms eased around his neck and she leaned into him.

He held back, not wanting to startle her. He brushed his mouth back and forth, going slow. They stayed like that for several seconds, then she tilted her head a little and parted her mouth the tiniest bit.

He doubted she was aware of what she was doing, of the invitation. He would guess that back in high school, she’d had boyfriends and they’d made out. So kissing would be easier than anything else.

He dropped his hands to her hips. He wanted to ease around and put them on her butt, squeezing the curves. No, he thought, humorously. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted to rip her shirt off her and feast on her br**sts. Then he wanted her naked, sitting on the counter, so he could push into her with all he had.

The intense fantasy surprised and pleased him. His reaction was more than biological need. It was about wanting to be with a specific woman. Another sign of healing. Although he hadn’t shared Charlie’s concerns about his ability to perform, he was happy to be anticipating the journey...and the destination.

But that was a long way off. For now, it was enough to kiss her.

He brushed his tongue against her bottom lip. She stayed where she was. He did it again, then slowly slipped inside her mouth. She hesitated a second before moving her tongue against his. Pleasure shot through him, followed by heat and wanting. He stayed in his head, knowing he couldn’t get lost in passion. Not yet.

They circled each other, brushing tongues, deepening the kiss. She relaxed even more, her body leaning into his. He felt the pressure of her br**sts against his chest. Her flat belly rested against his growing arousal.

She was still close, but they weren’t touching. She rested her hands on his shoulders before sliding them down his chest to rest on his stomach. Her eyes were big and dark, her mouth swollen.

“Can I...” She paused. “Can I do what I want?”

The question sent a jolt of anticipation through him. “Does it involve knives?”

She laughed. “No.”

“Then sure.”

She leaned in and pressed her mouth to his. The kiss was light, barely there, then she straightened and looked at him. He watched her battle against her fear. He’d seen her work out, knew how strong she was. Charlie experienced life physically, rather than in her head. But she’d shut off the sensual side of herself for so long, he suspected she wasn’t sure how to get it back.

He reached for her right hand. “Look at me,” he said.

“I am.”

“Trust me. Nothing is going to happen.”

“What are you—”

Before she could complete the question, he took her hand and pressed her palm against his erection. Her gaze followed the action and she stared at him. Immediately her body tensed and she took a step back. He let her pull back so she wasn’t touching his penis anymore but didn’t let go of her hand.

“The mechanics aren’t going to be a problem.” He kept his tone light as he spoke, rubbing her palm with his thumb. “In case you were wondering.”

“Good to know.”

“Charlie?” He waited until her gaze met his again. “Would you kiss me again? Please?”

She nodded once. A quick jerk of her head, then she stepped forward. Her arms went around his neck, her eyes closed then her mouth was on his. They stayed like that for several seconds before she relaxed against him. When her lips moved, he was still, letting her do all the work. He felt her tongue against his lip, but continued to not move. A sharp finger poked him in the ribs.

“Cooperate,” she demanded.

He opened his eyes. “Did you want something from me?”

She gave him a smile. “I did. Now I’ve changed my mind.”

He chuckled and wrapped both his arms around her. Without thinking, he hauled her against him and hung on tight. But instead of getting scared, she let her head rest on his shoulder.

Progress, he thought, ready to start the kissing again.

They were interrupted by the doorbell.

Charlie jumped, then leaped back. “I’m not expecting anyone,” she said as she started for the living room.

He trailed after her only to find her looking through a window and shaking her head. The doorbell sounded again.

“You’re not going to get that?” he asked.

She spun toward him and pressed her lips to her mouth. “Shh. It’s my mother. If we’re quiet, she might go away.”

The sound of knocking followed the loud bell. A woman called, “Chantal? Are you in there?”

“Chantal?” he mouthed.

Charlie turned toward him and glared.

He grinned.

A minute or so later, the ruckus at the door stopped and Charlie sagged onto a sofa. “I really wish she hadn’t come to town.”

“You can’t avoid her forever.” He sat across from her, on the coffee table.

“I can try. I bet I’ll be successful at it, too.”

“So your name is really Chantal?”

Her gaze narrowed. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Fine. We’ll talk about our sex schedule. I was going to say afternoon or evenings, but mornings seem to work for you.”