Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
She glanced at the food. “Thank you, but I told you I had crackers at the hospital.”
“Crackers isn’t a meal. You heard the doctor say you need to eat to keep up your strength. Though I shouldn’t admit this, Lizzie sends me home with dinners, so I’ve got apricot chicken and mashed potatoes for you.”
Her stomach rumbled and she blushed. “I guess I am hungry.” And she felt like she could hold down this meal, which looked delicious. “Thank you,” she murmured.
They didn’t speak as they ate and to her surprise, she gobbled down her food, finishing all but one spoonful she couldn’t possibly find room for.
“One more bite?” He picked up her fork and placed the food on the tines, holding it out for her.
She let out a groan. “Please tell me you’re not going to be one of those hovering baby daddies?”
He shrugged. “What if I am? And it’s not just about the baby. It’s about me making sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
“Why?” Why did he care? And why did she have this deep-seated need to know?
He placed all the dishes on the tray and moved it out of the way, then turned toward her, his knees touching hers. “Why? Because I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the wedding? Because I think you’re a special human being and I care about you?”
“Are those questions?” she asked, knowing she was being a wise-ass. But her defense mechanism kicked in, even as her heart filled with his words, making her feel better about her fears.
Not that they’d ever go away, but at least he said all the right things.
“Cute. But I’m serious and I want you to know that. You scared me today,” he said, his tone more intense than she’d ever heard from him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to skip a meal, it’s just so hard when I’m not feeling well.”
He nodded. “You need a keeper, Charlotte Kendall.” He moved in closer and when she didn’t object, leaned closer still until his lips hovered over hers.
She had no intention of stopping him. Not when he was everything she desired. Even if she planned to protect her heart, she couldn’t deny wanting him.
He kissed her and she leaned into him, kissing him back. With a groan, he slid his hand through the back of her hair and tipped her head, holding her in place while he plundered her mouth.
One thing about Jared. The man knew how to kiss. His tongue swirled around hers and it wasn’t long before she was lost. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth, releasing it with a pop and soothing the skin with sensual licks.
He lifted his head and she moaned at the loss but he clearly had a plan as he turned her body, easing her down on the sofa. She went willingly and he maneuvered her so her head was at the top of the couch and her legs draped over his.
He slid his hand inside the leggings she’d been forced to wear because her jeans no longer fit, and rubbed his fingers over her sex.
“Jared,” she moaned, enjoying the sensation of his strong fingers strumming her pussy over her panties. It wasn’t enough. She needed to feel him directly on her skin and she arched her lower back, seeking further contact.
With his other hand, he slapped her there and she jumped in surprise, the even bigger shock following when warmth traveled through her lower body.
“I’ll give you what you need,” he said in a firm voice that also turned her on.
“Can you hurry then? I need to come,” she said, hearing the plea in her voice and not caring a bit.
“Lift,” he said, and she raised her hips, allowing him to work her leggings and panties down. He slid his fingers back to her sex. Using his forefinger, he rubbed her entrance. “You’re wet for me.” His voice was gruff and she liked it. His slick finger began to rub over her clit, as he worked her body like an instrument only he knew how to play.
Back and forth, then slow circles, his touch aroused while inside she felt empty and needy. Unable to stay still, she circled her hips in time to his motions and the sensations began to rise inside her body.
“I…”
“What? Tell me,” he said, pinching the tight bud and releasing it quickly.
She moaned again. “I need you inside me.”
“I need to be delicate with you after what you’ve been through today, but I can help.” He slipped one finger inside her, pumping in and out until she was wetter and slicker, before adding a second finger.
She arched her head back and her lower body lifted, pulling him farther inside her.
He curled his fingers and began to rub at a sensitive spot she’d heard of but never believed existed. “Oh my God.” Spots appeared behind her eyes, and not the dizzy kind.