Glow (Glimmer and Glow #2)(72)
“It’s okay,” she assured, grinning. “This makes up for it all.”
“If only that were true,” he said quietly.
She swallowed thickly, regretting the shadow that fell over his features. She shouldn’t have brought it up. The reminder of his regret when it came to her—when it came to Addie—had thrown a temporary pall upon the magical moment. She was eager to make it disappear.
“I have a little surprise, too,” she said brightly, reaching for the tie on her bathrobe. She stood and went over to a chaise lounge, the fluffy robe falling past her shoulders. She laid it on the cushion and turned to face him, holding her breath. His expression went rigid as his stare lowered over her.
“You said I could wear whatever I wanted,” she said tremulously, affected by the heat of his gaze. “It was one of the things in the lingerie you got for me last week,” she added when he just continued to stare.
“I bought you a nightgown. You’ve turned it into an event.”
She blushed in pleasure. What had he meant, an event? Whatever it was, she knew by his stare it was a compliment. “It fits really well,” she agreed lamely, taking a step toward the table. It was an understatement. The dark blue and silver fitted gown might have been made for her. It dipped very low and cupped her breasts, rib cage, and waist before it flared ever so slightly, still skimming sensually against her belly and hips. An inch of elasticized black lace was the only thing that covered her nipples. The upper mounds of her breasts were fully displayed. Her cheeks warmed even further as Dylan continued to eat her up with his stare. She stepped toward the table to take her seat again, but Dylan caught her hand and pulled her toward him. His stare was fixed on her breasts.
“Turn around. Let me see you,” he urged gruffly.
Arousal prickled at her clit in response to his hungry expression. She turned slowly.
“Hold still,” he directed when her back was to him. She looked over her shoulder. The gown was backless. His gaze traveled downward, making her naked spine flicker in awareness. When it reached her ass, he reached and stretched the silky material over a buttock. He cupped the cheek in his palm and squeezed. Her sex tingled in excitement. Slowly, as though he was relishing the anticipation, he lifted the fabric, exposing her buttocks. He caressed the bottom curve of her ass with his fingertips. She exhaled shakily at the intimate caress combined with his intent stare.
“No panties. You really are going to turn this into an event,” he said. He released the fabric. She blinked when she heard a brisk metallic sound, and then another. He’d placed the domed warmers back on their meals. His hands on her hips, he turned her and brought her closer, opening his thighs. He stopped her when she stood just inside his knees. She watched, holding her breath, as he ran his fingertips over her silk-covered belly. His expression was almost feral. A sharp thrill went through her. She didn’t know why, but she loved it when he grew single-minded in his arousal. A fool might have thought he became selfish in those moments, but Alice knew the truth. His sexual hunger fed her. She loved being the object of his lust.
His hand lowered. He brushed her mound very lightly with his fingertips through the silk. Pleasure tingled through her at his touch. Her nipples tightened beneath the lace. She whimpered softly, and he looked up. The candlelight gleamed in his eyes.
“You’re so lovely.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m going to have to have you. Your dinner will have to wait. Cake, too.”
“I’m very patient,” she whispered, trapped in his dark eyes.
“No, you’re not. Neither am I.”
Still holding her stare, he once again brushed his fingers against her mound, his fingertips finding the cleft between her labia. He rubbed gently against the silk. The subtle pressure made her tremble.
“You’re like something out of a fantasy. So beautiful. So primed to my touch.”
She exhaled shakily and reached for him, longing to dig her fingers in his hair. He stopped her by grabbing her wrists and placing them at her sides.
“Keep them there, or I’ll tie them behind your back.” His tone was mild enough, but the flash of steel in his stare told her he was serious. He cradled her hips in both his hands, then ran his palms along her waist and the sides of her body. She shivered in pleasure.
“Cold?” he murmured.
“No,” she replied. The summer air was warm and a little muggy. It was his skimming hands that were making her tremble. He brushed his hands over the top of her breasts. His forefingers dipped beneath the clinging lace, pushing the fabric beneath her nipples. His low, rough growl of satisfaction caused arousal to stab at her clit.
“Look at that,” he muttered, his gaze glued to her protruding nipples. “You’re the feast here tonight, Alice. I’m going to savor you.” His stare flickered up to her face. “And then I’m going to gorge myself on you. Are you ready for that?”
The edge to his lust intimidated her a little, but also excited her hugely.
“Without a doubt.”
His mouth softened slightly at her eager reply. He lowered her gown down to her waist, baring her breasts completely.
“Good. Let’s start with some appetizers and champagne.” He leaned forward. With his hands at her hips, he pushed her back slightly, as though he wanted a full view of her. He grasped her wrists and raised her hands. “Touch your breasts.”