He hesitated. “There are some nice bed and breakfast places in Tucson.” He paused again. “If staying at one is something you’d like to do. We could see if there’s a place with two rooms available.”
“Yes, let’s extend our evening.” She said the words softly. “We’ll find a place.” It was her turn to pause. “Is it too forward of me to want to share a room with you?”
“It’s not forward at all.” The prospect of spending more time with Ellie and the possibility of becoming more intimate with her made Tucker’s heart thump harder.
She searched on her phone for locations and called two that didn’t have rooms available. The third B&B she tried had a cancellation, so they booked the room. It was on the west side of Tucson, toward Oro Valley.
Ellie lowered her phone to her lap. Tucker took her hand, looking forward to having her in his arms.
9
Butterflies darted around in Ellie’s belly as they headed to the B&B. Was she truly going to spend the night with Tucker?
His callused palm felt so big and warm around her much smaller one as he gripped her hand on the console. She wished there was nothing between them so she could sit close and lean against his powerful arm.
They decided to stop at a pharmacy to pick up toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a couple of other items.
When they reached the B&B, her legs felt a little wobbly as they went inside, met the proprietor, and got the room key. He followed her as they climbed the steps, and her heart beat faster.
This was real. She’d decided to take a step that she hadn’t expected to. It had been eight weeks since the day they met, and it felt like they’d known each other for ages.
He inserted the old-fashioned key into Room 4's lock, and the hinges squeaked as he pushed the door open. He turned on the light beside the bed, revealing the room in a warm, soft glow.
Ellie followed him inside the large room, with its old-fashioned furnishings and double French doors on the other side of the queen-sized bed.
Tucker dropped their purchases on the bed as she walked across the room to the French doors. She opened them, cool evening air flowing over her as she breathed in the scents of the desert.
The sound of Tucker’s boot step told Ellie he’d followed her onto the porch. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, and she leaned back against his broad chest. She relaxed in his embrace as he rested his chin on her head.
She heard his deep inhale. “You smell so good.” His voice was a low rumble. “You feel soft and sweet in my arms.”
“You make me feel secure and safe.” She pointed to the sky as a light streaked across the blackness. “A shooting star.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Make a wish.”
“I have everything I could ever wish for.” She looked at the sparkling, inky sky. They were far enough away from the city that the stars were bright and clear. “I miss seeing stars like this now that I live in the city.”
Seeing the Milky Way stretched across the sky took her back to a nostalgic, happy place as he held her snugly in his arms.
They stood together on the balcony for a long while, quietly listening to the howl of a coyote and an owl hooting.
Ellie turned in Tucker’s embrace, slid her palms up his chest, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her heart beat faster as she pulled him toward her for a kiss.
His lips brushed across hers in a soft caress that made her sigh into his mouth. She pressed her body closer to his, feeling both his strength and gentleness. It made her feel safe, secure, and cared for.
He kissed her more deeply, and she answered him with a need so great that she didn’t know where it came from. She wanted him, yes, but inside she knew she needed him in some undefinable way that she wouldn’t question right now.
A low rumble vibrated in his chest as he tasted her, and moans rose inside her.
He shifted and swept her into his arms, catching her by surprise and causing her to gasp. She clung to him as he carried her into the room and kicked the door shut behind them.
Tucker brushed the bags off the bed, and they tumbled to the floor as he lowered her to the mattress. The glow from the bedside light illuminated her while he remained shadowed. She sank into the soft comforter, unable to take her gaze off his handsome face.
He knelt beside the bed, his gaze locked with hers, and he took her hand. His expression was so serious, so intent. He linked their fingers as he brushed hair from her face.
“You are so beautiful.” He traced one finger along her jawline. “Every single thing about you, inside and out. You are special to me.”
She shivered, every nerve ending in her body coming alive as he skimmed his fingers down her neck to the hollow of her throat. She could barely breathe as he released her hand and began unbuttoning her blouse.
