As he pierced another chunk of mango, he watched her, his gaze dark and unreadable. Maybe he was worried she’d get drunk and make a mess. She knew what happened to people who couldn’t hold their liquor…and it was her first time.
But her gut told her he wasn’t that worried about her passing out or puking. Something about the way he looked at her made her skin so hot she wanted to take her glass of ice water and press it against her cheek.
The knot in her chest was gone, now replaced by a deep pulsing ball in her belly. It was similar to the need and hunger that had driven her all these years, and it centered around Dane—his very presence and vitality. She felt the tug, pulling her closer to him.
Did he feel it too?
Maybe not. He seemed entirely too poised. Maybe a lot of women invited him to dinner. That wouldn’t surprise her, given how magnetic he was. For the first time in her life, she wished she were a little bit more like her mother. Betsy Reed would know exactly what to do. There was no man-situation she couldn’t handle with ease.
After they finished their fruit, Sophia took dirty plates into the kitchen. She rinsed them in the sink, turned to load them into the dishwasher and almost yelped when she bumped into Dane. “What are you doing?”
“Helping you clean up,” he said matter-of-factly. He was standing right behind her. “That seems like the least I can do.”
“You don’t have to,” she murmured, flustered.
She was somewhat trapped between Dane, the sink and the open dishwasher, which was pressing into her calf. She tried to reach around him, but somehow couldn’t. Her limbs felt too heavy, and she couldn’t look away.
He took the plates, leaning past her to put them into the washer rack. Although he’d claimed to have had three bottles of scotch, he moved with such cool control she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d miscounted or exaggerated. He loaded the plates and shut the appliance.
He was only a few inches away, and she could see every long, gorgeous eyelash around his stunning blue eyes. He smelled amazing this close, like scotch and something else she’d never smelled before. If she had to put a word to it, she’d say it was masculine and…irresistible.
Her insides turned soft and gooey, and something hot and needy coursed through her veins. She looked at his mouth, set in a firm flat line. A crazy impulse to press hers against it crashed through her, and before the rational side of her brain could kick in, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips against his.
They were unexpectedly soft. A sweet ache knotted in her belly, and she clenched her hands, gripping the edge of the counter. Her heart hammered as though she were suspended in the air, just nanoseconds away from landing a jump.
He didn’t move, and suddenly embarrassment hit her. It wasn’t like her to be so forward. Besides, his being helpful didn’t mean he was inviting her in for a kiss.
She pulled back.
Dane’s strong arm snaked around her waist, keeping her close. His eyes glittered like dark sapphires as he studied her. Her face grew hot, but she couldn’t look away. She swallowed, licking her lips for the lingering taste of him. “I, ah… Sorry—”
“Don’t be,” he rasped, his breath brushing over her cheek. “Now. My turn.”
Chapter Five
Before Sophia could process anything, Dane cupped her face and kissed her. His mouth was insistent and persuasive as he explored her lips—their texture and shape. He seemed to know just where she was most vulnerable, and he licked along the line where they joined, probing gently.
Acting on her instinct now, she opened her mouth and let him in. He plundered her, his tongue and teeth and lips relentless. Blood roared through her, and her knees grew weak. Before she could fall, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Pleasure curled in her belly then spread through her body like the sweetest of drugs.
He gripped her ass and pulled her closer. His thick erection pushed against her, and she moaned with want. Her panties were already damp.
“Which way is your bedroom?” he asked between kisses.
Unable to speak, she gestured behind her. He picked her up and carried her without breaking the kiss. Every step rubbed her against him, and she whimpered at the maddening friction. Heady need swept through her, and she hung onto Dane’s unyielding body, knowing he was the only one who could ease the throbbing knot in her belly and below.
He set her down in front of the giant bed and pushed the tank top straps down her arms. “You aren’t wearing a bra.”
“I…don’t really need to,” she said, almost apologetically. Was he disappointed that she was so small? She’d never worried about it before. Actually she preferred that her breasts were next to nonexistent, but now she couldn’t help but be self-conscious. She crossed her arms over them.