On the stairs, Hawke had caught her before falling and held her in his arms. He’d lingered, not wanting to let her go. She felt good there, so luscious and feminine. When she’d regained her balance, Hawke had released her, but not without some reluctance.
Sitting across from Emilia, he’d taken her hand. Then he’d told her the truth, or part of it—that he wanted to be near her. When she didn’t speak, he feared that he’d said too much. Maybe he’d transgressed beyond the boundaries of friendship.
“Hawke…”
“You don’t have to feel the same.”
Emilia gripped his hand. Hadn’t he just told her that hooking up with him was a bad bet? What was she supposed to say? “You have no idea how I feel.”
That was correct; he didn’t. A woman was a mystery. He understood a few things and had fair success in dating, but knowing what Emilia felt was entirely different. He puzzled that he could have known her for so long without really understanding her.
Hawke was out of his depth; talking would only get him in deeper. He kissed her hand then leaned back. The waitress came by with their meals, saving him from further discussion. He carved a hunk of steak, more for something to do than hunger.
Glancing up, he watched Emilia scoop a bite of red potato. She was adorable, a bit tipsy, so less restrained than usual. He liked her that way, less formal and more open. It made him want to spend more time with her and get to know her better.
He was kidding himself, as he wanted so much more than that. Emilia had asked about marriage, curious why he’d remained single. He had his reasons, which likely didn’t make sense to her. Yet envisioning spending his life with her was a welcoming thought.
He’d forgo his own desire in order to protect her, not only from encroaching danger but from himself. His visions of what could be weren’t going to come to pass. Yet for the evening he would enjoy her company, make her feel safe, and gain pleasure from seeing her relax.
During dinner, Emilia talked less. She ate her meal, which was good to see. More than once, Hawke’s gaze fell to her lips as she took delicate bites. He imagined her mouth on his and had to look away. “The food here is delicious,” she said, so he nodded.
When Emilia’s plate was empty, she pushed it away. “I hadn’t eaten much all day. I hope I didn’t act too silly after so much wine.”
“I like you silly.”
Emilia grinned. “You would.” She tilted her head. “If you’d let me keep drinking, there’s no telling what I might have said.”
“That’s intriguing. I’ll have to remember that for next time.”
“Next time, I’ll pace myself. But after the week I’ve had, I figure I can let loose a little.”
Hawke couldn’t agree more. “Dessert?”
“Mmm, I’m in,” Emilia said. “If the pastry is as good as the meal, I might eat all of mine.”
“I wasn’t planning on sharing either.”
When the plates were cleared, Hawke requested dessert menus. “The cheesecake here is unbelievable.”
“I’ll have to order a slice, then,” Emilia said, then chose the apple caramel.
“I’m going for the Oreo cookie.”
“You’re decadent,” Emilia said.
Hawke grinned. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
Dessert and coffee arrived, and the cheesecake was as good as Hawke remembered. He began devouring his in large bites, while Emilia savored. She made it halfway through, then leaned back to sip her coffee.
Hawke finished his and moved the plate aside for his espresso. He looked at Emilia’s leftovers. “I can’t help you out tonight. I’m full.”
“I didn’t know that ever happened.” Emilia’s smile did his heart good, as he liked to see her happy.
The night was young, and Hawke hated the idea of dropping her off at Tia’s—not when he had a perfectly good bed. “There’s no reason for you to go back to Tia’s. It’s the weekend, so you don’t have to go to work.”
Hawke expected an argument but was pleased to find Emilia amenable to the idea. “That’s true, and she’ll have her privacy back. As opposed to me, she does date.”
The prospect of Emilia going out with someone else irritated Hawke. He didn’t want to think of her on a date with another man. A feeling of possessiveness overcame him, although he had no right to control her life.
Emilia texted that she’d be with Hawke for the night but would leave her car at Tia’s. “That will make her happy.”
Hawke wasn’t exactly sure what she meant—that Tia liked hearing that she’d be at Hawke’s? She would be safe, so he supposed that made sense. Surely, Emilia had told her friend that she hadn’t been intimate with Hawke.
The drive home was fairly quiet. Emilia turned on music but was silent during the trip to his townhouse. The earlier events of the day seemed remote. Hawke was alone with Emilia, his thoughts only of her. She crossed her legs, and he glanced at the bare skin that peeked out.
Hawke sensed the electricity between them, although Emilia didn’t acknowledge it. Leaning against the headrest, she looked out the window. He wondered if her thoughts were anything like his, and he sensed they might be.
It was impossible to spend a romantic evening with Emilia—enjoy conversation, humor, and delicious food—without wanting her. Hawke wouldn’t be male if he didn’t desire her. She was gorgeous, thoughtful, and so much more.
Hawke realized that he was past the point of viewing her as only a friend, but he respected her. Emilia wasn’t a woman for a one-night stand. She deserved more; she meant more to him. But he couldn’t let go of his reservations, knowing that he’d do her a disservice by crossing the line.
And Emilia hadn’t made a move otherwise. She’d been delightful company, while not going beyond friendship. It was possible that she still harbored doubts since her broken engagement. That sort of thing could affect a woman’s self-image.
Yet that had been so long ago. Surely she was over it. Hawke wasn’t certain, because she was a sensitive person—even a guy like him could figure that out. It was possible that she didn’t let her real feelings out, that she was purposely shy of being seductive.
Hawke was overthinking, not something he was prone to do. It was impossible that Emilia hadn’t realized how desirable she was. When he looked over, Emilia’s eyes met his, sparking a physical reaction. Whatever resistance he’d had was crumbling fast.
“Are you okay over there?” Emilia said. “You’re awfully quiet.”
“Never been better.” That was lame, but Hawke was at a loss. He felt things for her that were unfamiliar to him. Desire he could handle, but he cared in a way that was new for him. He was nearly home, and getting out of the confined space in his Jeep would give him breathing room.
Once inside his place, Emilia took off her shoes. “Ah, that feels good.”
Why was it that everything she did turned him on? Hawke turned on a low light and dumped his jacket on a chair. “Can I get you a drink?”
“What do you have?”
Hawke headed for the kitchen. “I’m pretty sure I have something in the cupboard.” He pulled out a bottle, an Italian liqueur that he kept around. “I think you’ll like this.”
Emilia took the bottle. “Campari amaro,” she said. “What does it taste like. I don’t prefer anything too bitter.”
“This one tastes a bit like oranges.” Hawke found two glasses, then poured her a taste.
“Yum, that is good.” Emilia held out her glass for more.
Hawke filled his, then followed her to the living room. He turned on soft music. The setup was just about right for everything that he wasn’t supposed to do.
When Emilia took her jacket off, she rubbed her bare arms. The blouse she wore was sleeveless, making Hawke drool at the sight of her bare skin. He sat beside her on the sofa, keeping his distance.
Then Emilia moved closer and turned to look at him. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“
For a wonderful evening. You’ve made me forget my troubles. I haven’t been this relaxed since I can remember.” Emilia sipped her drink and brushed away stray tendrils of hair.
Hawke imagined taking out the clips and letting her hair fall. It was a sensual image. Then Emilia did just that. She put her glass down and undid her hair. The golden waves fell over her shoulders, then she shook her head a little, running her hands through the curls.
“That’s better.” Emilia looked into his eyes, and his blood heated. She was so damn sexy.
Hawke stared at her, unwilling to look away, not wanting to. He thought to keep to his vow of holding back, but his body betrayed him. Desire flooded through him, and he was sure his expression revealed what he felt.
“Emilia…” When Hawke reached out to take her hand, he did more than that. He pulled her closer.
For an electrified second, Hawke’s lips hovered close to hers. He looked into her lovely brown eyes and leaned closer until his mouth touched hers. Emilia’s sweet breath touched his skin, sending him over the edge. Any hesitation he’d had was gone in that breath.
Hawke kissed her, but not like a friend. The kiss was tender, sweet, and sexy as hell. Her lips were so soft and her scent so feminine. He dug his hands in her hair and pulled her close to deepen the kiss. This was what he wanted, and had wanted for so long.
With Emilia in his arms, he kissed her cheeks then her neck. He wanted her so badly that he thought he might devour her. He buried his face in her hair. “My love,” he whispered, not sure she heard. Then he kissed her again with abandon.
Passion soared between them. Hawke craved her with a need that wouldn’t easily be satisfied. He couldn’t get enough of her taste, of her closeness. Emilia was heaven on earth, all he wanted. Her lips were hot and her skin so soft.
Hawke licked the tip of his tongue across her lips, then dipped it inside. Emilia parted her lips more and rubbed her tongue against his, spiraling his arousal higher. And she responded with equal fervor, breathing into his kiss and pressing her body against him.
Emilia’s desire matched his, and she ran her fingertips through his hair. She groaned as he kissed her again. The more he tasted of her, the more he lusted for her. He ran his hands down her back and stroked the delicate skin of her neck with his fingertips.
Hawke pulled her onto his lap, then she tipped her head back. He kissed along the slender column of her neck and nibbled at her ear, barely restraining himself. He wanted to enjoy each second, make it last, touch and hold her without end.
His caresses elicited soft moans and gasps, then Emilia arched her back invitingly. Hawke kissed and touched, thrilled at her response. She wanted him, as he wanted her—and that was all he needed to know.
*****
Desire consumed Emilia. She was in Hawke’s lap, while he touched and kissed her. Before then, she hadn’t known what it was like to crave uncontrollably. No man had affected her like this. All thoughts had left her mind.
There was only Hawke, just his caresses, his lips, and his heat. She lifted his shirt and rubbed her palms over his chest. His muscles were rock hard and his belly flat. She groaned with the feel of him, while she pressed her lips to his.
He was so strong, so male. His masculine scent intoxicated her, and she was dizzy from his closeness. He kissed her until she was sure her lips were deliciously bruised. Then he kissed her more. He put his mouth under her jaw, then licked over her throat.
His tongue was hot as it seared over her tender skin. He roved his hands over her body, feeling her curves then cupping her breasts. He pulled at her blouse then dragged it off, over her head. She felt so naked in her ivory lace bra.
Hawke leaned down and kissed the mounds of her breasts, torturing her by not baring them for his touch. She reached down to squeeze his lean thigh, wanting to rip away the cloth to feel his hot skin. She put her hand over the bulge in his pants, pressing and stroking.
Feeling Hawke’s arousal sent warmth deep to her core. He wanted her, making her feel things she’d only imagined. After dreaming of Hawke, she could hardly encompass that she was the center of his attention. He wanted her, and she wanted him—more than she’d thought possible.
Her world was Hawke, his need, his touch. She cared for nothing else, only the one man she wanted. The passion between them made her forget the future, drew her to think only of that moment. For this brief time, she was in Hawke’s arms.
She wouldn’t think beyond that. Even if it was only for one night, she would have this memory. It would be enough; she would make it so. She yanked his tight shirt over his head and traced the outline of his muscles.
He buried his head against her neck, the bit of scruff on his chin grazing her skin. She put her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. There was no way to get close enough. Then he reached behind and undid her bra, at long last.
Hawke blew on her tender nipples, sending a sharp spike of need through her. She moaned, pushing against him. In response, he licked around the soft parts of her breasts, surely intent on driving her crazy. He teased and licked until she was on the verge of begging.
Then Hawke took one nipple in his mouth to gently suck, while he pinched the other. It felt insanely good, so good that she thought she might come. He didn’t stop, but sucked a bit harder, alternating from one to the other.
Hawke’s breath was hot and ragged as he suckled at her breasts. She cried out for him, and he nipped at the tips of her nipples, now as hard as tiny pebbles. “Emilia,” he whispered against her soft skin, then he swirled his tongue around her breasts.
But he didn’t stop. Hawke held the weight of her breasts, while raking his tongue over them until she went rigid with pleasure. A delicious climax crashed through her, making her stiffen in Hawke’s arms. He kept his hands at her back, licking until she settled on the other side of the wave.
Emilia went limp in his arms, but only for a moment. The orgasm had come strong and hard, as it had been a while since she’d made love. Hawke’s loving was as good as his kisses. The spike of pleasure had done little to sate her. Instead, it only whetted her appetite for more.
She wanted Hawke more than before, unsure how that was even possible. As if reading her mind, Hawke stood with her in his arms then carried her to the bedroom. He jerked the covers back and rested her against the pillows.
Emilia grabbed his waistband to pull him close, then undid his pants. Anticipation riddled her body. She shoved the pants down then gripped his erection through his shorts. Hawke groaned and put his hand over hers.
He looked into her eyes, and those blue depths stole her heart. “I want you, Emilia. I want you so much.” As if she didn’t want him more. She lifted her hips so he could undress her the rest of the way.
Then Hawke shed his clothes to stand before her naked. He was more magnificent than she’d imagined in her dreams. His chiseled body was the stuff of legend. Every muscle bulged and curved, sculpting his sexy form.
Light brown hair dusted his chest, and a thin line drifted down his belly to the thatch around his manhood. He was hard and huge, making her clit tighten unbearably. His hips were trim and his thighs powerful. She opened her arms to him, and he came to her.
Hawke wasn’t as patient this time. He kissed her hard, holding a fistful of her hair. Then he slid her flat on the bed and traced his hands over her form, with a roughness that excited her. Spreading her legs, he knelt on the bed.
This time his hot mouth covered her sex, and she panted to keep up. Hawke put his tongue inside her wetness and stroked expertly. She pressed her head against the mattress, begging for more. He flicked his tongue over her most sensitive spot, causing her to moan with pleasure.
Without pause, Hawke swirled and flicked his tongue until Emilia was again in the throes of orgasm. He held her arms down, and the ambient air wafted over her hard nipples, while he sucked softly between her legs.
With a muffled cry, Emilia let the orgasm take her, trusting him and taking all that he w
ould give. When she relaxed against the sheets, Hawke crawled up to her and kissed her passionately, so she could taste her juices on his lips.
Emilia reached down with both hands and grasped his hot cock. She fisted him until his loud panting echoed against the walls. Then she cupped his balls, rolling them in her hand, while she stroked her fingertips over his heat.
With a deftness that didn’t leave her wanting, he reached to the side table for a condom and rolled it on without breaking the mood. He hovered over her, and she took his swollen member to guide him into her. She needn’t have, as Hawke took over.
He plunged the tip into her then rocked his hips. He filled her, stretching her, and it felt wonderful. Emilia didn’t want him to pull back, yet he did. With steady strokes, he withdrew until he was nearly out of her, then shoved deep again.
He kissed her nipples, and his lips grazed her mouth. Then any semblance of control was gone. Hawke stroked faster, and Emilia matched his rhythm, slamming up into him as he came down. Breathing hard, he moved with quick, powerful strokes, letting need carry them to a new plateau.
Emilia melted into him, then cried out with the agony of intense pleasure. The waves of a powerful climax took her, as Hawke stilled then stiffened. He groaned deeply then came hard, as she held him tightly against her. It was more than she’d experienced before, and it was Hawke, the man of her dreams. He was quiet for a moment before he slid to the side and cradled her in his arms. Emilia sighed against him, floating on a cloud.
Chapter 12
Hawke woke up with Emilia by his side. He liked having her in his bed. Her golden hair fell over the pillow, reminding him of a beautiful angel. Her flawless skin looked so touchable and her lips so kissable. Watching her sleep was a rare opportunity.
The pale light of dawn glowed in the window, promising a nice day. Hawke felt better than he had in a while. He had tossed and turned but managed to get a few hours of sleep. Thankfully, the nightmares hadn’t disturbed his slumber.
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