He nibbled a little longer, taking his time. He knew it was small of him, but he was enjoying her discomfort. “There’s a reason I avoided you for a few months. For a second there, I almost lost it.”
Now she looked very wary. “Bran if you want me to believe—”
Irritated with her, and the fact that he was dying to touch more than just her hand, he interrupted her.
“I am not lying. You kissed me. It lasted a second and the only thing I could think was that I wanted more.”
Her eyes widened and she shook her head.
He nodded. “Thoughts of tearing off your clothes and kissing every inch of your body took over. Then, all the family came up and well, I felt perverted because the rest of the night I wondered what you looked like under your uniform.”
“You ran off with Jimmy and the rest of those idiots that night.”
“And I came back to the hotel without them. I couldn’t get you out of my mind. Then, you were gone and we were both busy. It all hit me when I saw you the other day.”
“Bran.”
“It’s true. I want you. And I could tell from that kiss, you want me. Why does it have to be any harder than that?”
“Our families, our…careers.”
“And you date other Marines. Unless there is something wrong with me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.”
The way she said it was as if she was irritated with him for it.
“Hey, I won’t push you, but tell me…can you really say you don’t want this?”
He pulled her closer and kissed her again, this time thrusting his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted of minty toothpaste and lust. It was an odd combination, but need poured through him. Then, slowly, she slipped her hands up his arms and behind his neck. It was Tess who pressed her body against his this time, and it was him who shook. She tilted her head to the side and slid her tongue against his.
When he pulled back, they were both breathing heavily.
“So, what do you say, Tess?”
He left it up to her. He knew that for her, it was the right way to go. Tess always had to think things over and if she said she wanted to wait, he would wait. He’d have to take a cold shower for an hour, but he would do it. She lifted her fingers to her lips and touched her mouth. She looked stunned.
Damn, she was going to say to wait. Or, worse, no. That would be ten times worse. But then, in a blink of an eye, she dropped her hand and her lips curved.
“Tess?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Have you ever known me to not say what I mean?”
Then, he let out an oorah as he bent to pick her up. He caught her unawares and she squealed.
“Bran, put me down,” she said wiggling against him.
“I will, when I can put you under me.”
Then he marched into her bedroom.
Other Books by Melissa Schroeder
Harmless
A Little Harmless Sex
A Little Harmless Pleasure
A Little Harmless Obsession
A Little Harmless Lie
A Little Harmless Addiction
A Little Harmless Submission
A Little Harmless Fascination
A Little Harmless Fantasy
A Little Harmless Ride
A Little Harmless Secret
A Little Harmless Military Romance
Infatuation
Possession
Surrender
The Santinis
Leonardo
Marco
Gianni
Vicente
A Santini Christmas
A Santini in Love
Semper Fi Marines
Tease Me
Tempt Me
Touch Me
The Cursed Clan
Callum
Angus
Logan
By Blood
Desire by Blood-exclusive to Kindle
Once Upon An Accident
The Spy Who Loved Her
Texas Temptations
Conquering India
Delilah’s Downfall
Hawaiian Holidays
Mele Kalikimaka, Baby
Sex on the Beach
Getting Lei’d
Stand Alone
The Last Detail
Exclusive to Amazon
Bounty Hunters, Inc
For Love or Honor
Sinner’s Delight
The Sweet Shoppe
Cowboy Up
Tempting Prudence
By Blood
Desire by Blood
Connected Books- all exclusive to Kindle
The Hired Hand
Hands on Training
Cancer Anthology
Water—print
Going for Eight
A Calculated Seduction
Coming Soon
Falling for a Santini
Seduction by Blood
Rereleases
The Accidental Countess
Lessons in Seduction
ASantiniinLoveMelissa Schroeder Page 14