But then he draws me closer and gently closes his mouth over mine. He kisses me softly. Tenderly. And when he pulls away, my entire body is buzzing with anticipation.
"And that one?"
"That kiss," he says, "means you were right."
"Oh." I let myself bask for just a moment. "Right about what exactly?"
"Everything," he says. "But mostly, that I love you, too."
24
"Say it again," I demand, feeling as though I could melt into his arms right there.
"I love you," he says. "You, Sugar Laine." He cups my face. "I love you."
I sigh deeply. "I like the sound of that."
"I'm glad," he says. "I like it, too."
"Have I mentioned that I love you, too?"
"You might have said something about it. But maybe you could tell me again."
I flash a wicked grin. "I might. Or I might make you earn the words."
"Oh, really?" I hear the amusement and interest in his voice. "And how am I supposed to do that?"
"I was thinking that stripping me naked and fucking me senseless would be a good start," I admit. "But I'm open to suggestions."
He doesn't answer, but I see the mischief in his eyes, and when he walks toward me and hauls me over his shoulder, I'm completely unprepared.
"Lyle!" I squeal.
"Hush," he says, lightly smacking my rear and he carries me to the bedroom. "I'm a man on a mission, remember? I believe the assignment is to fuck you senseless?"
He tosses me onto the bed, and I lean back on my elbows, looking at him. "Nice to know you follow orders," I say.
"I'm feeling remarkably amenable right now. You could ask me for anything."
His words flow over me, soft and comfortable, and I hold out my hand. "But what could I possibly ask for? As I have you, there's nothing else I want."
"Sugar..."
I've never heard my name with such longing and heat, and as he starts to undress, I keep my eyes on him, letting that heat slide into me, filling me up.
He peels off his shirt first, and I sigh with prurient desire as I take in those strong, familiar arms, his muscled abs. I know he's been working hard, and it shows. But as gorgeous as the view is, what I want is the feel of him against me.
"Hurry," I say. "I like the preview, but I'm desperate for the main attraction."
His eyes lock with mine, and I see my desire reflected back at me, so potent and powerful it feels almost like a blow.
"Get naked," he orders, and I don't hesitate. I strip and toss my clothes aside as he finishes doing the same. Then he pounces onto the bed, making me laugh as he rolls us over so that I'm on top of him, my hands on his hard body.
"Kiss me," he demands, and I raise an eyebrow.
"I thought I was calling the shots."
"How about we do it together?" he asks, and since that sounds wonderful, I don't bother to answer. I just bend forward, my breasts rubbing his chest as my mouth closes over his.