Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
And maybe he didn’t want to admit the truth out loud.
“What did the police say?” she asked, her voice trembling.
He wished he had more information there. “They retrieved security footage from one of the stores nearby and did get a plate number. I just have a feeling they won’t come up with anything.” These people were too smart.
“Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
He liked how she said we when it came to his situation.
“What were you doing at the shopping center, anyway?” she asked, releasing his wrists.
Aiden’s eyes shifted to the coffee table in front of the couch, where the plastic bag from the chocolate shop was sitting. “I went to buy you something.”
Brooke turned and saw the bag with the logo from the chocolate shop printed on the side. She walked over and picked up the bag. Reaching inside, she pulled out the now half-smashed box of chocolates.
“I landed on it,” he explained.
“Caramels?” she asked, reading the label on the box. “You got me chocolate caramels?” Her voice was soft, her eyes warm with appreciation.
“They’re your favorites, right?”
Brooke smiled. “If I remember correctly, you like them too.” She opened the box and picked up one of the small, rose-shaped chocolates, popping it into her mouth and moaning at the taste.
The sound reminded him of her noises when they made love and Aiden’s dick hardened with the memory.
“Would you like one?” she asked, holding out the box to him.
He wanted something much sweeter than chocolate. He wanted the delicious satisfaction of being with Brooke. At the thought, desire pumped through his veins.
He nodded anyway. “I’d love one. But… I can’t grab it with my wrapped hands.” He lied, and he was pretty sure she knew that, something she confirmed with a shake of her head and an amused smirk. “Feed me.”
She lifted another chocolate from the box and held it up to his mouth.
Holding her gaze, he parted his lips, and as she slid the chocolate in he swiped his tongue over her fingers. Her breath hitched, and she leaned close. Only inches separated them, the warmth of her body and her light coconut scent overwhelming him.
Swallowing the chocolate, he dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that turned his desire into something deeper, a need to be inside her with a desperation he’d never felt before.
Breaking their connection, he looked deep into her eyes. “Come to my bed, Brooke.”
Chapter Sixteen
Brooke had always been an overthinker, as Jared pointed out to her. Someone slow to make decisions, always considering every angle, trying to predict the outcome before committing to a course of action. In business, it had proven to be a useful trait.
In her personal life, not so much.
So, as Aiden waited for her to decide if she’d join him in bed, she remembered Jared’s advice.
Have some fun, Brooke.
This probably wasn’t what he had in mind, but she decided to take his words to heart. She was tired of worrying about what would happen, of letting the hurt from the past hold her back in the present. She’d shut off her brain and go with what her heart and body wanted.
Shaking, she nodded, and Aiden wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her to his room.
No sooner had they entered the bedroom than he kicked the door closed and pulled her into his arms, the bandages on his hands not slowing him down. If he were in pain, he didn’t show it. Instead, he cupped her face in his palms, and his mouth came down on hers. His tongue forced its way through her barely parted lips and he kissed her. She willingly went along for the ride.
Reaching down, he pulled up her black dress and she helped him maneuver it over her head. He might not worry about his palms but she clearly did.
Aiden stepped back and admired her, his eyes gleaming as he took in her black lace bra and matching panties. She hadn’t dressed with him in mind but she was glad now that she loved sexy underwear.
“Fuck, Brooke. Take your bra off, sweetheart. That, I can’t do.”
She nodded and reached behind her to unhook the clasps, then let the garment slide to the floor. He’d used the time to take off his shirt and unbutton his pants.
“Panties next,” he said, his gaze steady on her body.
She liked how he ordered her around in the bedroom. Hooking her thumbs into the sides of her underwear, she wriggled them down her legs, aware that he was removing his slacks and boxer briefs at the same time. She kicked them aside and stood naked before him.
“You’re gorgeous,” he said in a gruff voice.
Her gaze slid to his long, thick erection and she swallowed a moan.
He stepped toward her, grasping her hips and easing her back until her knees hit the edge of the mattress and she fell onto the bed.