She brushed the lock of hair off his forehead, smiling when it fell back into place. “No I’m not ready for you to leave but I know you’re not interested in a long-term relationship. I need to know when you’re leaving so I can prepare myself.”
She doesn’t want me to leave. His heart tripled its beat. He tried to answer her but he was frozen from the desire to hear the words he prayed she would utter again.
She cleared her throat. “Dimelo.”
He clasped her hands in his. “I can’t.”
She nodded, glancing down at their hands. “I figured as much. I mean, I know you probably don’t feel—”
“I’m tired of you trying to tell me about my feelings, woman.” He anchored his hands on her hips, propelling her forward on the seat. He kissed the sweet curve of her neck.
“What’s between us isn’t going away. You can run from it if you want but I’m not, Carlos. I’m yours whether you want me or not.”
He leaned closer, dropping a gentle kiss on her lips. The immediate rush of desire sent a shudder through him. After a second she sank her hands into his hair, caressing his scalp with her fingertips.
“I love you. We’ll make this work, Trella,” he murmured against her lips.
Her body trembled against his and she pulled away.
“Sweetheart?” He straightened then swung her weight into his arms. He sat on the bed, easing toward the middle. He settled her back against him within the space created by his splayed legs. “What’s wrong?”
Her fingers entwined with his. “I love you back,” she whispered.
If he hadn’t been sitting down, he’d have leaped into the air and tried to fly. He grinned so wide his jaw hurt. He nuzzled her neck.
She chuckled. “Can you do a long-distance relationship?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you.” He stroked her thighs. “What would you say if I opened the next office in Phoenix?”
“I’d say fantastic.” She rose to her knees, shifting around to face him. She caressed his cheek. “You were right about us.”
He turned his head to kiss her palm. “Been trying to tell you that for a while now.”
Laughing, she eased off the bed. “I want to paint. Come on.” She tugged at his arm.
Carlos rose. He pulled her back against him and slid his hands down her arms. Pushing against her, he allowed her to feel the stirring of an erection tightening his shorts. “You don’t want to do something else?”
“Nope.”
He groaned. “You really want me to watch you paint?”
She nodded. “More than anything.” An enigmatic smile curved her lips. Sliding from his arms, she stripped off the white tank.
He groaned. “You’re lucky I love you.”
She unhooked her black lace bra then hung it around his neck, baring her beautiful breasts to his view. “No. You are the lucky one—I have body paint.” She headed into the studio. “Coming?”
Saying a quick prayer of thanks, Carlos kicked off his shoes and ran to join his future.
About Tamara Hunter
Tamara Hunter fell in love with romances at an early age and always had a book in hand. Her love of reading continues today and she enjoys romantic fiction from historicals to contemporaries to paranormals.
Everyone needs love and there’s nothing more satisfying for Tamara than exploring relationships between characters—particularly when said relationships include hard-to-resist, sexy men who will do anything for the woman they desire.
When she’s not creating tales of her own, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and traveling.
Tamara welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Painted Passion
ISBN 9781419949395
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Painted Passion Copyright © 2014 Tamara Hunter
Cover design by Allyse Leodra
Cover photography by Shutterstock
Electronic book publication December 2014
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