“Ticklish?” The humor in his tone was evident.
“Not exactly.”
Mike’s fingers roamed higher. “Then why are you shivering?”
Raising her head, she met his heavy lidded eyes. She didn’t credit the lazy half-asleep look in them with being tired. “You know why.”
His expression spread into a slow-moving grin of eroticism, causing her blood to boil. “Tell me,” he insisted, his fingers reaching the tops of Emma’s stockings where the garter belt circled her thigh. She felt the change in his body almost instantly, his reaction proving he was on the same plateau of excitement she was. “You’re full of surprises, sweetheart.”
She gasped when his fingers slipped beneath the garter. “You have Amanda to thank for that. She said stockings are much sexier than pantyhose.”
“Remind me to send her some flowers tomorrow.”
“You like?” she asked in a smoky voice.
“I like,” he responded hoarsely.
Emma’s soft chuckle rippled through the quiet room as she returned her head to Mike’s chest. She didn’t protest when he continued his intimate search, tenderly exploring the softness of her thighs above the stockings. Although when his fingers moved ever closer to her bottom she began to squirm, knowing that if he continued much further he was going to be in for an even bigger surprise.
“Mike…” Emma wasn’t sure she wanted him to find out like this. She’d planned on their evening ending much differently than relaxing in front of the fireplace in his home with his daughter sleeping upstairs. “Mike, I’m not wearing…” But it was too late. She heard him suck in his breath, his fingers stilling for a moment. Emma could only guess what was going through his mind when it dawned on him that she wasn’t wearing panties. Technically she was; Amanda had also talked her into buying a lacy thong. In the silence that followed she began to worry that she’d shocked him.
“Woman, are you trying to kill me?” With every word his hands glided slowly up until his palms were cupping her naked buttocks.
Laughing nervously, Emma tried to play the whole thing down. “I think it’s called trying to turn you on,” she gasped, every nerve ending in her body alive with pleasant sensation. “I guess Amanda’s a bad influence.”
“And I’m the one who’s going to pay the price.” He gave her bottom a gentle squeeze, growling low in his throat.
His fingers were hot against her flesh, branding Emma where they touched her. “I don’t think it was meant as a form of punishment,” she teased, arching her hips into the cradle of his. Taking pleasure in the power of his strong arousal. It occurred to Emma if they were to unzip his pants and move her thong aside he could slip inside her where they both wanted him to be. Her breath began to come out in little pants at the picture that presented, of them making love before the fire. Before she knew what she was doing she unbuttoned several buttons on his dress shirt, putting her mouth on his hot flesh.
“Sweetheart…” He sounded as though he was in pain, losing control and roughly massaging the soft flesh of her bottom. Emma continued to run her open mouth along his hot flesh, going a little crazy when one of his fingers dipped teasingly between her legs, brushing over the thin fabric covering her mound.
She pulled back to meet his desire-filled eyes, knowing the emotion mirrored what he saw in hers. “Yes, you want me to stop, detective?”
“Hell no,” he panted, taking a moment to enjoy the closeness of their bodies.
A long silence ensued as they gazed longingly into each other’s eyes. Mike seemed undecided, sexual frustration clearly showing on his expression. He slowly started to lower his head, his eyes falling to her mouth. Emma unconsciously raised her mouth toward him, inviting his kiss, licking her lips in anticipation. “I can’t take you home tonight.” He sounded almost apologetic.
“I can sleep on the couch.” She’d be cozy there next to the fire.
“Like hell you will. I want you in my bed. I’ll take the couch.”
As much as Emma yearned for Mike’s kiss, his touch, she knew his integrity as a father wouldn’t allow it. Not as long as there was a chance Melissa could surprise them. She loved him all the more for his strength and caring, sensing it was as much for his daughter as it was for her. His warm breath brushed against her mouth in teasing sweeps and her tongue came out to stroke across his bottom lip. She felt a violent shudder rack his body, even as he distanced himself emotionally. She shivered in response, accepting his unspoken decision, knowing it was the only right thing for them to do.
Disappointment laced her words, in spite of her attempt to keep her tone light hearted. “Then kiss me goodnight, detective, and show me the way.”
Chapter 20
Mike stood at the foot of his bed, staring down at the sleeping angel tangled in his covers. The fact that Emma was lying there, against his sheets, leaving her scent upon his pillows was a surprising turn on. She was on her side with one clutched to her as if she were holding her lover close, a secret little smile on her lips as she dreamed. Was she dreaming of him?
He carefully reached forward, brushing the wild hair off her face so he could better see her, holding his breath when she stirred slightly. Though she only moved closer to the pillow, moaning softly in her sleep. Mike pulled the quilt over her, reluctant to leave but knowing he must. Melissa was waiting for him downstairs, or so he thought.
“Dad?”
He pivoted to see her standing in the threshold of his doorway, quickly raising his finger to his lips in a gesture for her to be quiet. “How do you feel, kiddo?” he asked after shutting the door so they wouldn’t disturb Emma. “You’re dressed,” he added with surprise, taking in her jeans and heavy sweatshirt.
“It’s a school day,” she reminded him in a tone that revealed she was surprised he could forget. “Friday, remember?” She hopped down the stairs in front of him.
“I thought you weren’t feeling well.” He naturally assumed she’d be staying home today. However, Melissa wasn’t like some kids who came up with any excuse not to attend school. She actually liked it.
“Emma fixed me up. I’m okay now.”
“What about breakfast…”
“I’ll eat a breakfast bar on the way to school.” She reached for her coat, her eyes straying to the living room and noticing the blanket and pillow on the couch. “Did you sleep on the sofa last night?
Not because he’d wanted to. “Yep. Mrs. Dawson left Emma stranded here. I couldn’t take her home and leave you here alone.” He watched her zip up her coat. “You sure you feel well enough for school?”
Nodding, Melissa explained, “I don’t want to miss today. I have a big science test and Mrs. Waller doesn’t give make-ups unless you have a doctor’s excuse. She’s a real…”
“Melissa…”
“Witch,” she continued, pulling a knit hat down on top of her head with a big grin. “You know, I really like Emma, Dad, and she’s crazy about you.” Mike’s brows rose and he crossed his arms. “And you’re crazy about her too. Admit it.”
“How did you get to be so smart?” he questioned with amusement, not bothering to argue with her when deep down he knew she was right. He was more than crazy about Emma. And he was glad Melissa liked her too.
She paused to think as if her answer really mattered. “I think certain wisdom comes with entering womanhood,” she said with seriousness. Mike nearly bit through his bottom lip to keep from laughing. “You like her, don’t you,
Dad?” She opened the door, waiting patiently for his response, her eyes watchful.
Mike could see the approaching school bus barreling down his drive. He was lucky the bus driver didn’t mind coming all the way down his road, since they were the only ones who lived there. “The bus is here.” It quickly became apparent she wasn’t moving until he answered her. He sighed deeply. “Yes, I like her. Satisfied? Now go to school!”
A wide grin broke out on her face and she gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek before twirlin
g and running for the bus. Mike closed the door and turned, his eyes automatically drawn to the top of the stairs where his sleeping angel stood with her arms crossed, and a pleased expression on her face. As though waiting for him. He moved until he was standing directly at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes eating her up.
“Good morning, detective,” she said in a smooth as honey tone, sleep still evident in her eyes.
“Good morning. Did you sleep all right?”
Emma nodded. “Very comfortable, thank you.” Once the polite necessities were over she got right to the point. “Melissa’s feeling better this morning?” He gave a brief nod. “So, you like me,” she commented with an impish smile on her sleepy face. She looked lost in his shirt, making the mistake of crossing her arms. Suddenly the hem was sliding higher than mid thigh, giving Mike a better view of those shapely legs.
“Maybe just a little,” he replied, holding his hand up and making a gesture with two fingers showing her how much. “Do you like me?” He took a step up, then another.
A burst of laughter escaped Emma, her cheeks coloring a becoming shade of rose. Mike had the sudden urge to run his hands through the wild hair falling around her shoulders, knowing that even as it appeared tangled it would be silky and full of life.
“Maybe just a little,” she said, mimicking his words and his gesture. “Now that we have that settled, what’s next?” He took a step up, his eyes holding hers captive. “You look kind of hungry, detective.”
“I’m ravenous,” he said simply, taking another step, his eyes moving over her like she was the next best thing to chocolate. All at once he untied his robe, slipping it off and letting it fall to the floor behind him.
In turn Emma began to slowly unbutton her shirt, mildly surprising Mike. “I think you’re going the wrong way. The kitchen is that way.” She indicated the direction with a sweep of her arm, her gaze running down his length. “I like the sexy, low hanging pajama bottoms,” she said
outrageously.
Mike ignored her last comment. “Maybe what I’m hungry for isn’t in the kitchen,” he explained in a teasing drawl, continuing his slow ascent. With every step Emma undid another button. His mouth began to water with anticipation, his gaze falling briefly to take in the narrow strip of honeyed flesh she exposed. No bigger than an inch but with enough power to send a strong man to his knees. “I think this has been a long time in coming, sweetheart.”
Holding her ground in spite of his obvious intentions Emma asked huskily, “What has?” She undid the button between her breasts. The last button.
Now Mike was the one laughing, but it didn’t stop his progress as he took the last two steps to reach her. His gaze dropped to the triangle piece of lace that covered the heart of her, recalling the night before when he’d held and caressed her. She didn’t back down or show the slightest inkling of doubt when he reached forward, slipping his hands inside the shirt at her waist and giving a sharp pull until she was flush against him. Her head fell back and her lips parted with pleasure when his hands continued around to caress the satiny half moons of her naked buttocks.
“How about if I just show you what I mean,” he asked hoarsely, leaning down to give her mouth a tender kiss. He’d meant it to be a brief sampling but the taste of mint on her mouth held him captive.
When he broke the kiss, she murmured, “I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your toothbrush.”
The thought of her using something so personal of his, so intimate, fueled Mike’s need. He lost himself in a more thorough kiss, practically devouring her soft lips. Her moan of pleasure calmed his fears that he was hurting her. She wound her arms around his neck and held him even closer, the lower half of her body moving purposefully against his, firing his blood. His hunger to gigantic proportions.
Yet as turned on as Mike was, he was clear minded enough to realize the dangerous position they were in at the top of the stairs. With a growl of frustration he scooped Emma up in his arms and headed for his bedroom. Her mirrored cry of disappointment turned into a small whimper. Glancing down, Mike felt his heart slam in his ribs at the wider strip of smooth flesh revealed by his actions, the tempting curve of her full breasts.
“Sorry, sweetheart, but I want to do this right. Tumbling down a flight of steps isn’t in my plans.” She smiled but remained silent.
When he reached the foot of his bed he gently lowered Emma to her feet, turning her into his embrace and kissing her hungrily, like he was never going to let her go. His hands again slipped inside her shirt pulling her to him, keeping her close to his aroused body. However, Emma needed no persuasion. She willingly melded against his length, her soft moans of pleasure echoing through his bedroom.
His hands began to roam over her satiny skin with purpose, smoothing up and down her back before exploring the sensuous curve of her hips. Her flesh was soft as a rose pedal, and just as fragrant, begging Mike to taste her. When his mouth left hers she cried out with protest but he didn’t go far. He ran his tongue along the arch of her throat and over her collarbone, nipping her tenderly as he went along.
She began to tremble wildly in his arms, mewling softly. Clutching him to her she strained against his arousal until he nearly sank to the floor in weakness. He nudged her shirt aside so he could continue his erotic journey, tasting her, following the line of her collarbone with his lips as his hands searched for pleasure points that left her whimpering and gasping with pleasure. Her hands fell to his pajama bottoms, her fingers confident in their quest to undo the drawstring. The material parted slightly, but instead of slipping her hands inside as Mike silently yearned for her to do, she was content to tease and explore him from the outside. The muscles in his legs quivered when her trailing fingers raked up and down the hard length of him. He felt a hotness in his loins that signaled how easy it would be for her to send him over the edge.
“Emma, sweet Emma!” He pushed his erection against her teasing fingers, silently pleading with her for more. “You’re going to tease me into spoiling the moment for us if you’re not careful,” he rasped in a hoarse tone.
“Really?” she gasped with pleasure, the light in her smoky eyes revealing her desire. “No will power, detective?” she asked huskily, trembling uncontrollably.
“Two can play at that game, sweetheart,” he warned raggedly, looking deeply into her eyes. As he held her gaze his hands slid up to her collarbone, beneath her shirt, slowly moving the material until it glided over her shoulders and down her arms, landing in a heap at their feet. His fingers went to the triangle of lace between her legs and without hesitation gave a sharp tug.
Emma gasped, her eyes rounding when she glanced down to see the thong hanging in Mike’s hands. For the first time she was completely naked before him.
Mike was certain he was seeing perfection. His warm gaze traveled over her hungrily, taking his time in a visual caress that almost did him in. She was no slim hipped maiden blushing with embarrassment, but a shapely woman with enough curves to fill his hands and satisfy his every need. Enough confidence in her sexuality to stand completely nude before him, taunting him with her rose tipped breasts and slender waist, the sensuous flare of her hips and thighs.
The very core of her.
She surprised him by saying softly if not a little bit shyly, “I believe it’s your turn, detective.”
A sensual grin played upon his mouth. “I believe I undressed you,” he pointed out in a sexy voice, leaving no doubt to what his meaning was.
Emma reached forward, her fingers taking hold of the waistband of his pajamas. “If you insist,” she breathed gently, not showing the least bit hesitation. “I think I can handle this.” She slowly began to peel his pajama bottoms from him.
Mike wasn’t sure he could handle it. Their gazes clung. When Emma dropped to her knees before him to complete the task he felt her warm breath upon his torrid flesh, closing his eyes tightly trying to think of something else. Yet nothing came to mind other than the wicked thought of her loving
him with her sweet mouth. He prayed for inner strength, and patience.
His very salvation.
“Damn…” He let go weakly, eyes bolting open when he felt the unexpected. Before rising to her feet, Emma had leaned forward, giving his throbbing flesh a lingering sweep of her tongue.
“You have a nice body,” she whispered with obvious pleasure, rising gracefully before him.
Mike grabbed her shoulders, the blood pounding in his veins. He lowered his mouth to hers, devouring its softness. Swallowing her moans of hunger and acceptance, answering the trust of her eager little tongue with his. One hand slid down her taut stomach to the swell of her hips, exploring her thighs and then moving up slowly. Emma stiffened slightly when his fingers tested her willingness, gently slipping across the damp petals of her womanhood in teasing sweeps. She was wet and warm.
“Did I hurt you?” He pulled back slightly, waiting for her response.
She shivered. “God no! You’ll hurt me if you don’t continue. I want you, Mike. I want you inside me so badly I can’t…”
His savage kiss cut her off; the picture her words conjured up fired the lustful emotions in him until he’d reacted out of control. She arched against him, the feel of her dampness and heat against his pulsing flesh the final straw. With barely controlled restraint, he gently eased her down onto the bed, following her there and covering her body with his.
Emma welcomed him with an eager show, wrapping her arms around him, parting her thighs and arching against his throbbing hardness. She returned his ardent kisses, explored wherever she could reach him with her tongue and open mouth. Murmuring heated words against his ear that were meant to enflame him even more. His hand curled around her breast, bringing the tempting fruit to his mouth as the need to taste a taut nipple overcame him. She cried out when his mouth closed around her, his tongue continuing the torture once he had her stiff nipple inside.
Kiss Me Page 17
