Josie leaned further back, dropping down to her elbows, but still keeping her eyes on his hand. He’d never seen a sexier sight than what was displayed before him. With her hair a mess, her dress hanging on by the curve of her breasts, those expressive eyes silently begging for more and her spread thighs, Reese didn’t think he’d be able to ever have a meal at this table again without getting aroused.
As much as he wanted to roam his mouth over all of that exposed skin, he didn’t want to miss one second of the desire in her expression. The moment he slid one finger over her heat, Josie’s eyes fluttered closed and her mouth dropped open on a gasp.
Yes. That’s what he wanted. That sweet, vulnerable reaction.
Finally, Josie eased back all the way and arched her body as she reached down and circled his wrist with her delicate fingers. Relinquishing control was not his go-to, but he was more than willing to let her guide her own pleasure.
It wasn’t long before those hips pumped harder against his hand, before she cried out his name and clenched her grip a little tighter.
Reese took it all in. The passion, the need, the completely exposed way Josie let herself be consumed by her desire.
He’d never forget this moment, not for the rest of his life.
When Josie relaxed against the table and released his wrist, Reese eased his hand away and adjusted the bottom half of her clothing. She’d gone totally limp and he couldn’t help but smile. He’d never seen her so calm, not worried about a schedule or making plans for something else. She was still, quiet...and utterly breathtaking.
As much as he wanted to use her release as a stepping-stone to more, Reese gathered her in his arms and lifted her against his chest. Her head nestled against the crook of his neck like she’d done so a thousand times before.
Reese lifted her bra straps back into place and adjusted the top of her dress.
Josie’s hands reached for the zipper on his pants.
“Not now,” he murmured, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
Such an innocent gesture when the most erotic thoughts were swirling through his head. Just knowing she wanted to keep going was a victory he hadn’t known was even possible. But she was coming off a euphoria she hadn’t anticipated and he didn’t want her to think he assumed or expected her to reciprocate.
Josie lifted her head, her tranquil gaze locked on his. “Why?”
He said nothing, but he also wasn’t ready to just let her go. Gathering her up, he crossed to the wall of glass doors and eased one open with his foot.
“Where are we going?” she asked, looping her arms around his neck.
“You’re going to sit out here and relax and I’m going to bring you food.”
When he placed her on the cushioned chaise in the outdoor living area, she simply stared up at him with her brows drawn.
“That’s what you’re worried about? Food?”
“Oh, I’m not worried,” he corrected. “You haven’t had dinner.”
She blinked and then shook her head and muttered something under her breath about men being more confusing than women. That was an argument he was smart enough to walk away from.
Leaving her outside, Reese went back into the kitchen, and his gaze kept wandering to the now-empty table. Yeah, he’d never be able to eat there again without thinking of her as she’d just been, and he sure as hell wasn’t about to tell his chef what had happened in his kitchen.
Reese turned back to the island, rested his hands on the edge and dropped his head between his shoulders. He just needed a minute to get control over his emotions and his arousal. Turning down her advance had been the most difficult thing he’d ever done, but he wanted the time to be right, for her to come to him because that’s what she truly wanted and not because she was fuzzy-headed from a recent orgasm.
When he glanced back up, he caught her gaze staring back at him from where she remained outside. There was a vast distance between them, but he recognized so much in her eyes that he couldn’t deny. Along with confusion and a hint of frustration, he still saw passion and he wondered exactly what she planned to do about it.
Eight
Josie stepped out onto the balcony off her guest room. The moonlight cast a bright, sparkling glow over the ocean. She had no clue how long she’d been standing out here letting her thoughts roll through her mind.
Chris had texted only a little while ago and she’d finally responded, telling him this was her final correspondence, she had moved on and she wished the best for him. Then she blocked his
number.
She didn’t know what to make of everything that had happened earlier with Reese and she couldn’t worry about Chris’s feelings at this point. It was her slipup on the phone with him that had started this entire ordeal and toppled her life out of control.
All of those neat, tidy boxes that had compartmentalized every aspect of her life were now completely obliterated.