Before everything went to hell the afternoon his wife showed up, I felt like we were building toward something real – if not love, then something close. I wasn’t experienced, but given the chance, I knew I could fall in love with Colton Drake. Which meant letting him into my hotel room, letting him kiss me and gaze into my eyes and break down all my walls was a dangerous move. My heart was on the line. But he’d tracked me down and chased me halfway around the world. That has to mean something, right?
"Sweetness," he murmurs in the husky tone that I’ve come to recognize means he’s aroused.
My voice disappears as any words of protest die in my throat. I have to tell him no. I need to make him leave. He’s done something that can’t be undone. He led me to believe he was unattached and concealed the truth from me for weeks. I now wonder if he would have ever told me if Stella hadn't shown up. Despite my suspicions, I’d ignored my womanly instincts and turned myself over to him completely. I’d been ready to give him my virginity.
His fingertips edging under my skirt pull me from my thoughts. My core heats with the knowledge that his skilled fingers are just inches from where I want them. Yes, yes yes. My panties are soaking wet and I rock against him, but my raspy voice breaks the silence and contradicts everything my body is screaming for. "No…I can’t…" I untangle my legs from his waist and drop to the floor.
"You want this just as badly as I do," he says, his voice deep and sure.
My eyes lift to his and apparently they tell him everything he needs to know. My desire for him is written all over my face. My thoughts betray me. And Colton takes full advantage, leaning in to kiss me again.
"Tell me there’s still a chance," he whispers against my lips.
I swallow, but am unable to respond. I don’t trust myself to say the right thing. I debate with myself, wondering if I could ever trust him again, if I could even fit into his lifestyle…
A bubble of feminine laughter and the sound of the door clicking open snap me back to my senses.
Becca and Pace waltz into the room carrying a half dozen shopping bags between them.
My sanity returns and I force a serious tone as I turn toward Colton. "It’s time for you guys to go."
Goodbyes are exchanged between Pace and Becca while I avoid meeting Colton’s dark eyes. I know if I do, I’ll lose my resolve completely. I’m still reeling from that kiss, my body overheated and blood pumping wildly.
He pins me with a heated stare, leaning close enough that I can smell his cologne. The effect is dizzying. "This isn't over. Have your fun with Becca and we'll talk when you get home."
I wish I could tell him he's wrong, that we are over, but I find myself unable to respond. He's giving me the space I need right now, but I have no idea what comes next.
Once they’re gone, I grab a bottle of water from the stocked minibar and take a long swig, needing to cool myself down before turning to Becca. She doesn’t say anything about the change in hotel room, but I see her eyes wandering around the space. "So what happened with Pace? I didn’t think you guys would be back so quickly. In fact, I wondered if I’d see you again this entire trip. I figured you’d take one look at those dimples and you’d steal him away into a private hotel room." I grin at her in an attempt to lighten the tense mood.
"Trust me, it was tempting. He’s gorgeous. And his tight little butt?" She fans herself dramatically. "Seriously, those two are a lethal combination on the libido."
"There’s a third one too. Their older brother Collins is every bit as lickable."
"Damn. Good genetics, I guess." She dumps the shopping bags out onto the sofa for me to inspect her goods. "After lunch, I actually started to worry about leaving you alone with Colt. I figured that wasn’t the smartest idea, so we cut our outing short. We just walked around this cute little piazza and I went into a couple of boutiques." She holds a tiny sundress up to my frame. "I thought this would look cute on you."
"It’s pretty." Lavender and touches of blue thread run through the soft fabric. "I can wear it with my strappy silver sandals."
"Exactly what I was thinking." She plucks a red mini skirt from the pile of clothes for herself. "Come on, get changed. We’re going out."
Becca and I spent the rest of the day sightseeing and are currently seated at a quaint little bar, munching on olives and cheese and sipping delicious wine. I still can’t believe Colton and Pace had actually flown to Italy in search of me. And as I sit here, slightly buzzed, I’m replaying our brief intimate encounter in my head.