Big Easy Temptation (The Perfect Gentlemen #3)(4)

God, he wanted to. Ached to. He wished like hell he could wrap his arms around her and show her everything he had to offer, but rushing her would be a mistake. He had to wait for Holland. Whatever happened between them needed be her choice.

She hesitated and for a moment, Dax thought she would leave for good. She met his stare as though taking his measure. After a moment’s silent perusal, she stepped closer, her skirt gently swishing against her graceful legs, bringing her so near. His heart revved.

She skimmed her fingertips along his jawline. “You want me to kiss you, Commander? That might be dangerous.”

He knew it was, because there was no way they’d end up in bed tonight. Dax would be in a world of hurt no matter which way this went. He was startled to realize he didn’t want to be just another conquest for her, either.

“It could be,” he admitted. “I’m willing to take the chance. I know you won’t believe me, but I like you. Really like you. I enjoy talking to you, being around you, hearing you laugh. I’m not looking for a one-night stand or some easy hookup. I’m pretty sure I’m looking for something more.”

She stared at him as if she tried to memorize his face. An openness, almost an intimacy, in her expression gave the moment gravity. The way she looked at him went beyond anything sexual. Dax set about memorizing her, too. He drank in the delicate angles of her face, the tiny scar that ran across her cheekbone, the way her bottom lip plumped out. A light dusting of freckles sprinkled across her nose. She was beautiful, yes, but Holland was way more than a pretty face.

“I think that’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever said to me, Commander. I am going to kiss you—once—but when it’s over I’ll still vote to save my sanity and walk away.” She rose onto her toes and lightly pressed her lips against his.

Damn, she felt soft and warm and sweet—all the things he loved about women. But he savored her so much more. This simple kiss packed heat. It flashed through his system, sizzled down his spine. He wanted to revel in this moment and make it last.

When she circled her arms around his waist and her lips brushed sensually over his, Dax couldn’t hold back anymore. He cupped her face in his hands and deepened the connection. He explored her lips, slowly, deeply. Restlessly, she slid against him, coming even closer. He could feel her breasts crushed against his chest. His head spun. He went in for more, filtering his fingers through her hair and groaning into their kiss.

She pulled away, her breathing not quite steady.

“Holland . . .” That couldn’t be it. That taste had only made him hunger for more. His whole body felt alive, every nerve focused on her.

“That’s what I was afraid of.” She crashed against him once more. This time when she kissed him, her mouth flowered open, inviting him inside.

His tongue slid against hers in a velvet caress as she moved in, sliding her hands up his chest until she wrapped them around his neck.

Dax devoured her. So hungry. She was the source of his every craving and, until he’d taken her in his arms, he’d only suspected how utterly she could thrill and satisfy him. Now he knew.

Holland felt perfect against him as their tongues mated. The rest of the world fell away as he lost himself in her teasing scent and silken touch. He gripped her tightly, wishing he could strip her dress off. He definitely had to rethink not wooing her into bed.

He drew her closer still, needing her in a way he’d never needed a woman before.

Then the door swung open behind him, banging against the wall, startling them apart.

“Please, Admiral. You’re the only one who can help me,” a woman tearfully implored.

Fuck. He held on to Holland, terrified she would walk out if he didn’t. He looked over his shoulder to find his father following Zack’s mother into the room.

“Oh, no.” Holland sounded anxious. “Joy and Zack worried about this. Constance has been drinking all day.”

His father caught sight of him and Holland. His eyes flared wide for a brief moment. “I’m sorry. She was creating a scene. I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“I’ll go get Zack.” Holland pulled away, then spared him one last glance. “I’m leaving for New Orleans soon. Have a good life, Commander.”

Dax didn’t want to let her go, but Zack’s mom burst into noisy tears, and he knew he had to get this situation under control. Frustrated and feeling helpless, he watched Holland stride out of his life.

If he looked her up next time he visited home, would she speak to him?

“They’re going to kill me,” Constance shrieked. “And that poor girl. She doesn’t know the truth. How can I tell her? How can I tell anyone? It was an accident. I didn’t mean to do it.” She fell on the couch and wrapped her arms around her knees, sobbing.

Dax zipped a confused stare over to his dad.

The older Spencer shrugged. “She’s been talking like that for ten minutes, son.”

With a sigh, Dax sat beside his buddy’s mom and tried his best to calm her.

He didn’t see Holland again for years.

Washington, D.C.

Present Day

“You’re sure you want to do this?”

Connor’s question brought Dax out of his memories. He’d been thinking of that day with Holland, the day he’d first kissed her. He liked that memory much better than the later ones. A chill went through him. The wind in D.C. was cold this time of year. He stood outside the condo Connor shared with Lara, his wife, and prepared for the long ride home.