by Celia Jade
His gut feeling assured him that Stephanie’s feelings for him ran deeper than physical desire and that she was in denial. She needed time to think, to sort out all her demons. Then she’d come to him. His breath hitched and he searched her eyes. The brown depths reflected desire, but also a tranquility that hadn’t been there before.
He slid his hand to the small of her back and pressed her to him. “Stephanie—”
“No games. I told my mother,” she replied as she placed her hands on his chest.
Dex curbed his body’s reaction to her, sensing she had more to say.
“It was the right thing to do, for reasons you mentioned and ones I hadn’t even thought of,” she added.
He cupped the side of her face. “And your brothers?”
Her expression sobered. “Kyle knows. It wasn’t easy, but he accepted it. Mom’s going to talk to the others.”
His hand caressed her back. “I’m proud of you, sweetheart. That was hard to do.” His need for her was fierce and he could barely repress it. Still, he needed to know…
The luscious bow of her mouth curved as she wrapped her hands behind his neck. “I want to give this a shot, Dex. You and I.”
His chest filled with joy and relief. “Oh, baby.” He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, and then her mouth. Her body softened into his as she returned the kiss with a delighted moan.
When their mouths parted, he cupped her face and said, “Does this mean you don’t hate me anymore?” The question was playful, but he wanted her to voice her feelings.
She met his gaze. “I never hated you, Dex, you know that.” Her eyes smiled at him. “I like you a whole damn lot and I care about you.” Her hand slid down to the spot just over his heart. “There’s something special between us,” she added with an earnest note.
Her response made his heart shift. He covered her hand. “Yes, baby.”
A playful sparkle lit her eyes as she rubbed her pubic bone against his hardening groin. “We never tried that hot tub of yours.”
The sudden vision of Stephanie’s gorgeous body in the bubbling water almost felled him. “Such a bad girl,” he growled.
He took her hand and led her to the bathroom, releasing her only to prepare the tub. When he stepped behind her, he pushed the smooth weight of her hair to the side and pressed his mouth to the quick pulse at her neck.
“I want you to teach me how to bite you,” she murmured huskily.
He unzipped her dress, revealing her supple skin inch by inch. “I’ll teach you that and more, sweetness.”
“Mmm…I’m a quick learner,” she purred as the dress crumpled to her feet.
Dex imagined countless days and nights making love to Stephanie and sharing each other’s joys and challenges. He knew her soul and treasured it and he was eager to learn every little thing about her. He would protect her with his life.
As Stephanie wrapped her limbs about him in the tub and looked at him with raw tenderness, he realized she’d be giving herself to him without fear or anger for the first time. It gave him immense pleasure. He restrained his urgent desire and savored his woman.
About the Author
Celia Jade has been in love with writing and reading ever since she can remember. As a teenager, she wrote poetry and tons of short stories, many of which ended up in the garbage bin because she didn’t think they were good enough. Soon after acquiring a BA in English, she traveled to Europe where she taught English in private schools. A couple of proofreading jobs followed and somewhere along the way, she decided to pursue writing professionally. Her efforts paid off and she broke into the ebook market with her very first erotic romance.
She currently lives in her hometown, Montreal, a city whose rich culture and vibrant energy has inspired many of her stories. Celia also devotes her time to her family and her friends, and enjoys tranquil moments in the garden as well as spontaneous adventures. She’s a gym-addict and a foodie who often gives in to chocolate cravings.