Kiss Me

by Tory Richards

  As soon as she opened her door and entered the hallway, she felt the heat of the fire Mike had built. The sound of dry wood crackling reached her ears, and something else. He’d turned the radio on low and suddenly the atmosphere he’d created reeked of intimacy. Emma’s steps slowed as she neared the end of the hallway, afraid of what she’d see when she finally stepped into the living room. Visions of Mike lying naked on a bear skin rug, or in this case the multicolored throw on the back of the couch, waiting for her before the fire caused her pulse to race and breath to catch. However, nothing prepared her for the sight that greeted her when she peeked around the corner.

  “Oh my…”she said and gasped behind her hand, making her presence known.

  Mike stood and swung around, his hands slapping on his hips, which only caused the purple flowered robe he was wearing to part all the way down his magnificent chest. Emma’s mouth went dry at all that exposed masculine flesh. “Is something funny?” he asked in mock anger, the look in his eyes daring her to laugh at him.

  It was too much to take in all at once. Emma’s startled gaze began with Mike’s neck, taking in the width of his broad shoulders before traveling down the well-defined muscles of his sculptured chest and abdomen. A crisp blanket of hair covered his torso, narrowing all the way to his lean hips before disappearing behind a large pink rose. Oh my! Not bad for a forty-year-old man. Was he completely naked beneath her robe? Her cheeks grew uncomfortably warm, her imagination working overtime. But to keep him from noticing her preoccupation with what was hiding behind that enormous flower, she skimmed down the rest of his body, taking in his muscular thighs and long legs.

  Lord, even his feet were beautiful.

  “Well?”

  “Well?” she breathed softly, clearly confused at what he wanted. Had he asked her something?

  “I asked you if you think something’s funny,” he repeated.

  “No-no!” she quickly said, biting her lip to keep from laughing. However the urge was so powerful that Emma knew the only way she was going to conquer it was not look at him at all. She glanced around the room, touching on everything but him.

  “Good. Because if you laughed, I’d be forced to do something about it.”

  His challenging tone caused her gaze to swing back his way. “That’s not fair, detective.” It wasn’t her fault he was wearing her robe. Troy must have taken his with him the last time he was there. Her lips quivered as she returned his stare, before she finally gave in and burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, Mike. I can’t help it.”

  “I warned you…”

  “What are you going to do?” As he advanced she retreated, holding her arms out as though to ward him off.

  “It’s not every day I get to see a big, tough, detective wearing my satin robe.” She backed into a chair and quickly skirted around it. “The color brings out the purple around your eye,” she teased.

  Mike made a grab for her. She squealed and just managed to dash out from beneath his hand. Laughing, she headed for the kitchen, not realizing she’d backed herself into a corner until it was too late. She swung around to back track but he was there, effectively blocking her escape.

  Now he was the one grinning, his electric eyes alive and pinned on her wolfishly. “You’re in trouble now, sweetheart.” He advanced slowly, in no hurry to catch his quarry. Like a cat playing with a mouse.

  “You can’t pull off tough in a floral robe,” she said and chuckled, standing her ground. “What about lunch? Aren’t you hungry?” She glanced pointedly at the picnic basket, backing up until she couldn’t go any further. The next thing she knew, she was up against the kitchen sink.

  Mike placed his hands on either side of her against the counter, leaning in close, making her stomach do flip-flops. “Looks like you’re trapped. I bet you’re sorry you laughed at me now.”

  Emma was still laughing. Her hands fell on his shoulders and she leaned away from him as much as the counter would allow. But that only caused the lower half of their bodies to collide. As she gasped loudly, her smile quickly disappeared. She tried to swallow, all too aware of his hard flesh pushing against her. Her eyes flared with renewed desire.

  “You’re not laughing now,” Mike observed, leaning into her.

  Neither was he. “This isn’t a laughing matter,” she returned huskily, her gaze falling on his sensuous mouth. She took a deep breath, raising her eyes to his once more, drowning in the sensuality stamped on his face. “I’m ready to accept whatever punishment you deem necessary. I clearly deserve it.”

  A husky laugh rushed past Mike’s lips, running over her senses until she melted against him. No longer was she straining to get away. He was going to kiss her again; she sensed it. She wanted it. Although she was half afraid of where it would lead. Mike was a healthy male; after awhile he was bound to want more than kisses and occasional caresses.

  Realization that she wanted more rushed over Emma in dizzying waves. She began to breathe heavily, her breasts swelling with aching arousal, tingling against his hard chest. For once she was glad she’d left her bra off, relishing in the feel of the soft cashmere against her ultra sensitive flesh. He lowered his head, closing the distance between them with purpose in his darkening eyes.

  “Mike…”

  “This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you,” he said outrageously, continuing slowly. “But someone has to do it. And it’s not as if I didn’t warn you.”

  “I’ll suffer in silence then.”

  “It’s only a kiss.” His mouth abruptly cut off Emma’s smile of mischief and any smart remarks forthcoming.

  Her soft moan of surrender was immediate, producing a low response of pleasure from Mike. They moved at the same time; his arms slid around her waist, pulling her more firmly against him, her arms encircled his strong neck as she welcomed his tight embrace. Their mouths moved against each other in a sensual attack that escalated when their lips parted to allow a more thorough exploration that included warm breath and velvet tongues. Wet heat.

  Did he say only a kiss?

  Emma’s mouth burned with fire. It was a kiss like none before. The meshing of two hungry souls until they became one. Both moved willfully against each other, taking their time down the path of promised rapture, each seeking a pleasure beyond the reality. Sounds of mutual desire filled the room, drowning out the low beat of a country western ballad on the radio. She cried out with protest when he suddenly tore his mouth from hers, but it was only to follow the line of her jaw and glide down the side of her neck, teasing and tantalizing her skin as he moved leisurely along. Testing her eagerness while revealing his own.

  “I don’t know if I can take much more of your particular brand of punishment,” she gasped as ripples of pleasure traveled over her. She turned her neck so he could have better access. His teeth raked over her with barely controlled desire, producing another wild shiver.

  “I want you.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud and it created an instantaneous response from Mike. He jerked back, his startled gaze locking onto hers. His expression was dark with desire, nostrils flaring with need and making Emma think of a wild, hungry animal. His body was hard and demanding.

  She saw the indecision in his eyes, sensing he was fighting with himself not to let things go any further. Yet even as he warred with emotions trapped inside, his body revealed his weakness by thrusting against her. All at once his hands dropped to her hips, holding her tightly before abandoning them to glide up her sides and cup her aching breasts.

  “Oh!” Emma’s arms came down from around Mike’s neck and she flattened her hands against the counter top behind her, thrusting her breasts more fully into his caressing palms. “That feels so good,” she whispered weakly.

  “You like that?” Their gazes locked as Emma slowly nodded. His thumbs flicked across the hardened peaks of her breasts almost roughly. “What about that?” She nodded again, a half smile of pleasure on her lips, quivering against him. Mike’s hands began to gent
ly knead her. “And that?” She shook her head yes, little mewling sounds escaping her parted lips.

  Mike lowered his head and she sucked in her breath, fire engulfing her nipples as he moved his wet mouth over her, soaking her sweater. “What about this?” Mike’s hands made quick work at raising her sweater until her breasts were bare before his gaze. He fastened his hot gaze on them for a few breathless seconds before lowering his head once more, this time taking her tempting flesh in his mouth and gently tugging on it.

  “Yes!” Emma cried out, clutching him to her, as he loved her with his mouth. She would have fallen if she hadn’t clenched her hands into the robe he was wearing, laughing softly when the feel of satin in her fists reminded her it was her robe.

  “I’ve never made a woman laugh while making love to her,” Mike said, moving back and forth between her breasts so he could love them both equally. “It’s a good thing I don’t offend easily.”

  Emma’s throaty laugh sounded deep and sensual. “Believe me, it’s not your technique, detective.” Her hands released the death grip she had on the robe, slipping inside to touch his bare chest. “I can’t get what you look like in my robe out of my head.” She lightly raked her nails across his nipples, getting the response she wanted when his big body shuddered.

  Mike pulled back, his eyes smoldering with desire. “Then maybe it’s time to take it off.”

  Chapter 17

  Mike didn’t know where the words came from, but once they were out he couldn’t take them back. He watched Emma’s pupils dilate, her eyes changing color with the intense emotions ruling her. All at once she turned cautious, obviously weighing her response. He couldn’t fault her for that. Hell, he half hoped she said no and they both come to their senses. God knew he wasn’t strong enough to rein in his control and halt the madness over taking them. He’d known for a long time that he wanted Emma and he was tired of denying it. What’s more he knew she wanted him too.

  As the silence stretched between them he continued to caress her breasts with the palms of his hands, testing their weight and marveling at how smooth her flesh was. His body tightened even more when she slowly lowered her lids, purring like a satisfied kitten.

  “Mike—”

  Whatever Emma had been about to say was interrupted by the buzzer on the dryer. At first he didn’t know what it was until he remembered putting his wet clothes in and turning it on while she was in the bedroom. She jerked with surprise, the desire in her startled eyes clouding with confusion. It was obvious she didn’t know what was happening.

  “The dryer,” he explained.

  “Oh,” she said and chuckled softly, almost embarrassed.

  Mike reluctantly lowered her sweater, kissing the tip of her nose. “Saved by the bell, sweetheart.” His forehead dropped to hers as he expelled a deep breath of disappointment. “One of these days there aren’t going to be any interruptions to ruin the mood. Then what?”

  Emma’s slow reply came while she struggled to bring her breathing under control. “That depends on you, detective.”

  Mike pulled back so he could meet her smiling eyes. “Pardon?” If Emma meant what he thought then God help her because he wasn’t going to be gentle. But the sensual glaze in her eyes quickly squashed any ideas he had of lifting her on top of the counter and taking her quick and hard. He knew when they made love for the first time he would take his time with her, love her like she deserved.

  He forced himself to relax, a slight grin spreading across his features. “Mind explaining that?” Stepping back a few steps, he wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings.

  Emma glanced at him long and hard, and again her expression revealed she was being careful in what she said. After a moment she inhaled deeply, plunging ahead. “There’s only one person in this room who doesn’t want to take things to the next level, Mike, and it isn’t me.”

  Well, at least he knew where she stood. In addition, it was obvious she understood the turmoil and indecision he was battling. “You’re not ready.” He didn’t sound very convincing.

  “No, you’re the one not ready,” she interrupted, running a nail down his chest where the robe parted. The belt prevented her from going any further than his waist. “Maybe I had qualms before, but I know what I want Mike.”

  Damn, he hadn’t stepped away far enough. He clenched his hands into a fist to keep from ripping the robe open and forcing her hand the rest of the way down to his pulsing flesh. “Don’t say it.” Desperation bordered the mild threat in his tone.

  Emma plowed on as though he hadn’t spoken. “I’ve already said it once, I want you.” Her tone almost demanded he do something about it.

  “You want forever after.”

  She made an impatient sound. “Did I say that?”

  “You’re that kind of woman.”

  “There’s a little bit of Lola in every woman,” she said surprisingly, making an obvious attempt to hold back a grin by biting down on her bottom lip.

  Mike narrowed his gaze on her. “I don’t believe you.” He didn’t want to believe her. “You’re not going to convince me you want a sexual relationship with no strings attached.”

  “Did I say that?” She gave him a wink. “I expect dinner now and again, maybe a movie or two. And flowers, flowers would definitely be nice.”

  “This isn’t a joke Emma. There’s no use beating around the bush, you know exactly why I don’t want to get involved with anyone right now. I have Melissa to think about.”

  “Then why are you here, detective?”

  She had him, the little witch! He stepped away from her, the scowl on his face directed at himself because he hadn’t seen it coming. Emma had very neatly trapped him into a situation of his own making. Yet he couldn’t help asking himself the same question, why was he there? He knew better than to keep putting temptation in his path, especially one as appealing as Emma. Yet something kept him from walking away. She was different from all the rest. Her attempt to make him believe otherwise didn’t wash and Mike suspected she was saying what she thought he wanted to hear.

  “I don’t know why,” he said finally, painfully aware how inadequate it sounded.

  Emma shook her head slowly, making a little ticking sound with her mouth. “I know why,” she began, meeting Mike’s gaze head on. It didn’t help that she had a look of infinite wisdom in her eyes. “You want me too.”

  At that moment Mike wanted her more than he thought humanly possible. In spite of that he resisted the impulse to grab her and show her how much. How could he argue with her when she’d hit the nail square on the head? He clenched his jaw when it dawned on him how intuitive she was, practically jumping back when her finger began to wiggle beneath the belt. His involuntary action caused a ripple of laughter from her.

  “Why, detective, you’re not afraid of me, are you?” she teased in a beguiling manner that warmed his heart. Her eyes were overflowing with amusement, that soft mouth of hers a tempting invitation Mike knew he didn’t have the strength to resist. He took a deep breath, more to steady his nerves, holding his ground when she began to lean in closer.

  She looked dangerous.

  “Emma,” he cautioned. But damn her, she kept right on coming and Mike had no alternative but to back up, which only produced more laughter, the throaty sound of her amusement running over him like warm honey on a hot bun. Secondly, the look on her face unnerved him. He wondered what she was up to. A moment ago he’d been the one doing the pursuing; he’d been the one in control. He didn’t know if he liked the predatory gleam of determination in her eyes. His heart slammed against his ribs, forcing the blood through his veins like a river running out of control.

  “You are afraid of me!” Emma breathed in a little whisper of amazement, backing him up against the refrigerator. “Are you terrified little old me is capable of hurting a big, strong man like you?”

  She halted just inches away, but Mike could feel her breath on his bare chest. He could smell her arousal, the alluring scen
t of spicy heat teasing him, breaking down his senses until it made him want to say the hell with it and take what she was offering. “Maybe I’m afraid of myself,” he offered, letting Emma entrap him by placing her hands against the refrigerator on either side of him. “You don’t know what you’re doing. I’m barely holding on by a thread.”

  There was that sexy laugh of hers again, raking over him like a thousand hands, all of them softly arousing, touching him everywhere at once. Her eyes were soft and slightly glazed, the lids half lowered. She wet her lips nearly causing him heart failure.

  “Hmm, what do I have to do to break that thread?” Her warm breath on his skin, then her moist lips did the trick.

  Mike groaned with weakness, his body shuddering when she ran her open mouth over him. He let her have control for a minute, content to run with the feelings she evoked, enjoying the rush of need that had never been fully extinguished. As her warm mouth moved lower he came to his senses, dropping his hands to her shoulders and forcing her up. “I think you’ve effectively broken that thread, Lola. I’m torn between having my way with you in front of the fire or walking away while I still can.” He sucked in air to fill his empty lungs.

  “Lola would never let you walk away,” she teased, fingering the material covering his shoulders. “Especially wearing her favorite satin robe.”

  A reluctant grin twitched on his lips. “And how would she stop me?”

  “Oh, there’s ways, detective. Unfortunately I don’t have enough of Lola’s bad girl experience to pull off anything, ah, mind blowing.”

  “Don’t underestimate yourself sweetheart. What you were doing just a moment ago nearly drove me to my knees.” His heart was still beating like a jackhammer pounding pavement. “Without half trying you turn this big, strong man into a mountain of jelly.”

  Emma’s pleased look went straight to Mike’s heart. She opened her mouth to say something but the sound of a key being inserted into the front door lock held her temporarily speechless. Mike tensed for a second until he realized if someone were breaking in they’d hardly be using a key.