Sensations pulsed from him in staggering waves, triggering her orgasm. She cried out and her inner muscles gripped him, squeezing tight until the last ripple passed. He balanced his weight on his forearms and knees then kissed her. They savored the simmering heat left behind by their explosive pleasure.
“Good morning.” He grinned and gold shimmered in the depths of his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about this all night.”
“Now I’ll be thinking about it all day.” She groaned as he separated their bodies and crawled off the side of the bed.
“Do you mind if I shower first? Payne and the others are probably wondering where I am.”
She laughed. “I’m pretty sure they know where you are, but go ahead. I’m in no hurry to face the day.” She pulled her nightshirt down and watched his butt bunch and flex as he walked into the bathroom. She’d spent way too many nights imagining what sex would be like with Ian, but her fantasies had never come close to the intense pleasure of reality.
Curling up on her side, she stared at the bathroom door. Their relationship was progressing at warp speed. And it was nearly impossible to control anything that was moving that fast. She refused to regret one moment she’d spent in Ian’s arms, but it was time to take a step back and think through the possibilities. She had obligations to her family and to the Therian nation. It had been childish to run from her responsibilities. There had to be a way to fulfill those obligations without sacrificing her personal happiness.
She glanced at the journal her mother had left for her and frustration made her tense. Talking things over with her mother was the first hurdle. Kyle was the second.
Ian emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, a towel wrapped around his lean hips. “It’s all yours.” He motioned to the steamy room behind him.
She let her gaze wander from the top of his damp head to his bare feet. “Yes it is.”
“Keep looking at me like that and we’ll never leave this apartment.”
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood and crossed to him. “And why would that be a bad thing?”
He pulled her into his arms and gently kissed her mouth. “I’ll give them half a day. The afternoon and evening belong to us.”
“Sounds amazing, but I’m not sure I’ll be finished that soon.” She wiggled out of his arms with a sigh. “I’ve been gone for a month. I have some serious catching up to do.”
He pulled on his jeans then went to the living room and picked up his t-shirt. His nose wrinkled as he gave it a sniff. “Guess I better borrow something from Payne.”
It seemed wrong to cover up a torso as sculpted as his, but she kept the opinion to herself. There would be plenty of time for nudity when they’d completed their respective agendas. “If we’re both back in time for dinner, I’ll cook for you.”
“Is that a threat or a promise?” He smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten your cooking.”
“You’ve eaten plenty of meals Mom and I prepared together.”
“Then I’ll be back in time for dinner.” He blew her a kiss and left the apartment.
Devon started a mental list of the things she needed to accomplish as she showered and dressed for the day, but curiosity about the journal eroded her ambition. She picked up the book and headed downstairs.
After making a pot of coffee, she filled a travel mug and set the journal on her desk. She needed to walk the cages before she checked her email or opened the book. She suspected both activities would be time-consuming and the animals had to come first.
Hailey Sullivan turned as Devon entered the center room. The vivacious redhead’s happy cry was echoed by feline growls. Hailey flew across the room and hugged Devon tightly.
“I was so worried about you.”
Warmed by the enthusiastic reception, Devon returned Hailey’s hug. “I was pretty worried myself there for a while.”
She pushed Devon to arm’s length without letting go. “You’re surrounded by family and friends, but you’re all I have. Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
Devon smiled at her friend, enjoying the lighthearted banter. “I’ll try harder. I promise.”
Hailey’s playfulness fell away as she looked Devon over. “Seriously, are you okay? And are the rumors true?”
“I’m fine and which rumors do you mean?” She batted her eyelashes with feigned innocence.
“Are you with Ian?”
“There’s definitely something there. We’re just not sure what it is yet.”
“What’s that I hear in the distance?” She cupped her ear and narrowed her gaze. “Are those wedding bells?”