Jesse’s hand closed over hers. His eyebrows unclenched. “Did you say loving?”
Her belly fluttered, but she raised her chin and faced her fear. “Yes. I love you, Jesse Del Toro. And that’s terrifying, because being tied down to one place makes me…”
“Itchy?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Or do you just hate being tied to one person?”
“No.” With a firm head shake, she took his face in both hands, loving the scratchy softness of his beard against her palms. “I don’t feel that way about you. In fact, I’m ninety-nine point nine, nine, nine percent sure you’re the one. My person. Isn’t it weird that fate would send me the least compatible man imaginable and make him so completely irresistible that I have to rethink everything?”
Jesse’s gaze softened. He enfolded her hand in his warm, work-roughened palms. “I don’t want you to rethink everything, Gemma. I just want you to be mine. And if I have to let you go wander sometimes, I can live with that. I’ll be edgy the whole time you’re gone, but I’ll endure it for your sake.”
She dropped a kiss into his palm. “How about coming with me?”
A huge grin spread his lips. “If I can get someone to watch the greenhouses, yeah. Sometimes I’ll come with you.” He wrapped her in his strong arms and pressed his forehead to hers. “I don’t want you to change your nature, Gemma. I find your nature intoxicating.”
The glow in her chest obliterated the howling storm outside, the fears holding her back, and every last defense that stood between her and her prize—Jesse Del Toro’s love. Arm in arm, heart to heart, they’d figure out a way to make this star-crossed connection shine bright and strong and true.
Jesse gathered her against his chest and nuzzled her hair. “You know what I want now, more than anything?”
She arched her breasts against him, wishing he’d get on with it already. “I want that too, Jesse.”
“Perfect.” Grinning, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Bubbles or no bubbles?”
“Huh?”
“You’re still shivering.” He ran his hands up and down her arms. “Let’s warm up in the bath.”
“Oh.” Disappointment popped her happy, horny bubble, until she realized what a bath with Jesse would probably entail. Warm, relaxed muscles, slippery skin, squeaky clean manly bits ready for her delectation. Grinning, she ran her fingertip over his whiskered jaw. “You pick.”
His feral grin glinted in the firelight. “I love it when you let me take charge.”
“Hmmm.” Her fingertip traced spirals over his chest. “I noticed that.”
His fiery gaze pinned her for a long, heated moment. His nostrils flared, and he clutched the back of her head and claimed a searing kiss—sweet, hot, and a bit chocolaty. Absolutely delicious.And then he released her.
Whimpering, she reached for him.
“Patience, love.” He rose to his feet and backed away, wearing a devilish grin. “I’ll fetch you when it’s time.”
She curled on the couch, lulled by the thrum of rain and wind and the fire’s crackling counterpoint. She was on the verge of drifting off to sleep when she felt hot breath on her cheek. “Your bath is ready. Let’s go.” His strong arms tunneled beneath her body and lifted her into the air.
“Jesse,” she squeaked, almost ashamed of how much this clichéd gesture turned her on. Sailing down the hall cradled against her man’s chest was all kinds of delightful.
In the bathroom, he set her feet on the fluffy rug, grasped the hem of her borrowed shirt, and whipped it over her head. His hands smoothed over her sides, down her back to rest on the swell of her ass. “I didn’t think I’d ever touch your satin skin again. I’m so glad you came back.”
She flattened her palms on his broad chest and gazed into his whiskey brown eyes. “I’ll always come back to you, Jesse. Wherever you are, that’s my home.” She gave his collar a clumsy yank. Must’ve been more alcohol in those drinks than she’d realized. Good thing his flannel shirt fastened with snaps and not buttons.
Running her hands all over his bare torso was almost as heavenly as the pleasure to come. She’d missed this strong, solid man, the sensual contrast between his smooth skin and the coarse hair across his muscular chest and belly.
“Damn, woman, you sure can tie a knot.” Grumbling like a horny bear, Jesse tugged on the drawstring of her borrowed sweatpants.
“How ‘bout I do mine and you do yours?” Giggling, she slithered out of the giant sweats while Jesse unfastened his jeans and let them fall to the floor.
His fat, ruddy cock rose to greet her. She reached for him with greedy hands.
“Ah, ah, ah, bath first.” With a teasing smile, he climbed into the oversize tub, spread his knees wide, and waggled his eyebrows.
Stepping carefully, she settled between his splayed legs and rested her back against his hot, muscly chest. Thoughtful man, he’d stocked up on her favorite soap from Zora’s shop, a fresh, herbal scent with rosemary, eucalyptus, and mint. He lathered up his big hands and stroked them over every inch of her body while she purred and stretched.
“Turn around, Gemma.”
