Before I Knew (The Cabots #1)(54)

“I’m glad.” He fingered the fresh roses on her desk and frowned, softly muttering, “You prefer tulips.”

“I do.” How did he know?

“From your dad?”

She shook her head. “Todd.”

“Ah. He’s persistent . . . and thoughtful.” Alec dropped his chin, his gaze now on the floor, but really someplace distant.

She took advantage of the opportunity to study his strong profile. The sensual shape of his lips. The sharp line of his jaw. If she had a soft heart, she believed his to be softer, no matter how loudly he might yell. Even now, she knew he restrained himself for her sake. “Alec.”

It came out as a whisper, lying between them, unplanned. Gentle. A question. A sense of wonder at the surprising, powerful curiosity surging beneath her skin.

He snapped his gaze back to her, and, without thought, she craned her head toward his. Her hand landed on his chest, where it felt perfectly at home. “I’m not interested in Todd.”

His breath caught, or was that hers? Their lips were a hair’s breadth apart now, heated breath mingling. His heart beat against her palm, while hers knocked urgently against her ribs. She didn’t have time to analyze more because he cradled her jaw and kissed her.

Warm yet tentative, like he didn’t quite believe she wanted it. She did, so she gathered the open collar of his jacket in her fists. Her simple gesture had been enough of a signal. In an instant, hesitation fled, replaced by a firestorm of heat, of deep kisses, of fingers raking through her hair. Strong, confident sweeps of his tongue scattered any lingering doubts. Goose bumps fanned over her scalp, chased by tingles that drove through her limbs and pooled in her core.

He tasted like champagne and something earthy. The aroma of fresh herbs and spice wafted around them. Her body trembled until his arms closed around her with assuredness and strength, tugging her snugly against his chest, where she felt a vibrating hum.

She dug her fingers into his hair, holding tightly for fear of falling over if she let go. Alec’s hands swept down her back as he settled himself between her legs, dragging her hips to meet his. Right to where she could feel exactly how much he wanted her. A whimper stuck in her throat as tiny prickles skittered along her nerve endings.

His rough hands were on her thighs, inching her skirt up. He shuddered, then his mouth found the little spot behind her ear, which made her body respond in kind. The glorious sensation swept through her ferociously, making her tingly and restless.

Her legs—her whole body—went limp from the onslaught of pleasure and surprise. Of lust. Of desire she hadn’t felt for anyone for years. To want and be wanted. To give and to take. To meld an emotional connection that had spanned decades with a shiny, unexpected physical one. Only this man could satisfy that need. The reawakening of this part of her soul caught in her chest.

Alec growled her name and unzipped the back of her dress, his hands and mouth more commanding, more demanding. He pulled at her dress to expose her shoulder, which he then kissed and nibbled.

Her body welcomed his hot assault after two years of celibacy. Longer, even, because her sex life with Mark had tapered off significantly before Joe’s accident.

Mark. Joe. A tsunami of unwelcome emotions quickly laced her pleasure, the ring on her finger suddenly warm and heavy. Things with Mark had started off hot, too. She’d thought him the answer to all her dreams, until life with him became a nightmare. What if Alec was another mirage like Mark? Alec wasn’t uncomplicated. He had layers of difficult history and a father who hated her.

Irrational panic took root when she couldn’t shake the cautionary whispers. If anything, the whispers got louder, causing her eyes to sting. When an errant teardrop trickled over Alec’s thumb, he pulled away.

She mutely kept her clutch on his clothing, their labored breathing the only sound in the office.

“You’re crying.” His eyes reflected shame and concern. “I’m sorry. God, Colby. I thought . . . I must be stupid-tired.” Without hesitation, he yanked her dress back into place and zipped it up.

“Alec,” she said, but he jerked back as if burned on the stove, forcing her to release his jacket.

He shook his head. “Blame it on the champagne.”

“Alec, don’t apologize. I’m sorry.” She hugged herself. “It’s not your fault.”

Alec could barely breathe, making it difficult to focus.

Weeks of seeing her every day had churned his desire. Like a drug, it made him hallucinate invitation in her eyes. His reckless heart had abandoned caution and now lay lifeless in his chest. “It’s been an emotional night. I should’ve known better. And I broke your rule.”